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Egypt Tops AFCON History with Seven Titles

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Sporting News

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Who Has Won the Most Africa Cup of Nations Titles? A Complete Breakdown

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent’s premier football competition, first played in 1957 and now held every two years. Over the past 66 years, a handful of national teams have dominated the tournament, accumulating multiple titles and cementing their place in African football lore. The Sporting News article “Who won the most AFCON titles? A list of Africa Cup of Nations champions” provides a concise, data‑driven snapshot of those successes and offers a quick‑reference guide to the winners’ history. Below is a detailed synthesis of the article, with added context and highlights that bring the raw numbers to life.

1. The All‑Time Leader: Egypt

• Title Count: 7
• Years Won: 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
• Key Takeaway: Egypt’s record‑tying haul of seven trophies places it firmly at the summit of AFCON history. The Pharaohs have managed to win in five different decades, illustrating both longevity and adaptability. Their 1998 victory marked the first time an Egyptian team had won the cup after a 32‑year drought, and the back‑to‑back titles of 2006 and 2008 cemented Egypt’s reputation as the “king” of African football. The article also notes that Egypt’s success has been built on a blend of tactical discipline, powerful forwards, and a fiercely supportive fan base that turns stadiums into fortresses.

2. Cameroon – The “Indomitable” Champion

• Title Count: 5
• Years Won: 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017
• Key Takeaway: Cameroon’s title run is notable for its consistency in the 1980s and early 2000s. The 2002 triumph in the tournament’s home soil was a historic moment: the first time the competition was held in Cameroon. The 2017 title came under the stewardship of coach Marc Brys, and it was the first championship in almost two decades, highlighting the country’s ability to rebuild and come back strong.

3. Nigeria – The “Super Eagles”

• Title Count: 3
• Years Won: 1980, 1994, 2013
• Key Takeaway: Nigeria’s three titles, spread across three different eras, underscore its resilience as a continental powerhouse. The 1994 victory, often dubbed the “dream team” era, gave the Super Eagles a taste of continental supremacy that was followed up with a surprising 2013 win against reigning champions Ghana. Despite never qualifying for a FIFA World Cup final, Nigeria’s AFCON record remains the benchmark for excellence in African football.

4. Ghana – The “Black Stars”

• Title Count: 4
• Years Won: 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982
• Key Takeaway: Ghana is the only African side to have won the tournament in the 1960s, a testament to the country’s early investment in football development. Their 1978 and 1982 triumphs were part of a “golden era” that saw the Black Stars dominate African football. The article points out that Ghana’s 1978 title was the first time a West African nation had won the cup in over a decade, and it set the stage for the country’s continued prominence on the continent.

5. Ivory Coast – The “Elephants”

• Title Count: 2
• Years Won: 1984, 2015
• Key Takeaway: Ivory Coast’s two titles are separated by a 31‑year gap, underscoring the cyclical nature of African football dominance. Their 2015 win on home soil, under coach Marc Brys, was a landmark moment that signaled a new era of African football excellence.

6. Other Multiple‑Title Holders

The Sporting News article highlights that while the majority of nations have only appeared in the final once (or not at all), a select few have demonstrated sustained excellence over multiple decades. The “multiple‑title” clubs are primarily concentrated in North, West, and Central Africa – regions with robust football infrastructures and deep talent pools.

7. The Significance of the Numbers

The article explains that the distribution of titles offers insight into how footballing infrastructure, political stability, and investment in youth development influence a nation’s performance. For instance, Egypt’s dominance can be traced back to early institutional support from the government and the presence of the powerful Al‑Ahly and Zamalek clubs that have produced world‑class talent. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s early 1990s success came from a golden generation that was nurtured by both domestic leagues and the burgeoning African diaspora.

Furthermore, the Sporting News article points out that the sheer concentration of titles in a handful of teams indicates that the competitive balance in AFCON is skewed. For African football to flourish, there is a need for broader investment in grassroots programs across all countries, especially those in the Central and Southern regions that have historically under‑performed.

8. The 2023 AFCON – A Closing Chapter

The Sporting News article briefly discusses the most recent edition of the tournament (held in Ivory Coast in 2023). The 2023 competition saw a dramatic final that went down to a penalty shoot‑out, underscoring the high stakes and unpredictability of AFCON. The victor of the 2023 tournament added a new chapter to the historical narrative: a fresh champion joining the ranks of Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana.

9. Looking Ahead: Future Hosts and Rising Stars

The article concludes by mentioning that the next AFCON will be held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 (to be hosted by the Ivory Coast, but with the possibility of rotation). While the Sporting News article does not delve deeply into future prospects, it notes that the CAF is keen on expanding the tournament from 16 to 24 teams, a change that could democratize the competition and give more countries a realistic shot at glory.

Final Thoughts

In sum, the Sporting News article provides an informative and data‑rich list of Africa Cup of Nations champions. The clear hierarchy—Egypt leading with seven titles, followed by Cameroon’s five, Nigeria’s three, Ghana’s four, and Ivory Coast’s two—highlights a small cadre of dominant nations. Yet the article reminds us that African football is dynamic: the 2023 edition, the introduction of a 24‑team format, and the continued development of talent across the continent all point toward a future where more nations may rise to the top. Whether the next championship will be won by a newcomer or will further cement Egypt’s legacy remains an exciting question for fans around the world.