The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent's premier inter-national football tournament. Those who followed the tournament that was played in early 2024, in Ivory Coast, can attest to the fact that it was a moment full of fun. It was, most notably, a thrilling experience with fanatics holding their breath for a score (s) from the teams they passionately supported. It was also a moment of patriotism; to ones country, that might have been playing, and to the continental sport.
A Brief History of AFCON Games
The inaugural AFCON tournament took place in 1957, with only three teams participating: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. By 1968, AFCON had grown to feature over 16 teams.
AFCON has been held every two or five years since its inception, with the number of participating teams in-creasing over the years. The tournament has witnessed expansions and format changes, with the most recent editions featuring around 24 teams.
Notable AFCON Champions from 1957 to 2024
- Egypt won the first-ever AFCON tournament held in Sudan in 1957. South Africa had been scheduled to join but was disqualified in opposition of the apartheid regime.
- Ethiopia emerged victorious in the second edition (1962) of AFCON, hosted by Ethiopia.
- Sudan hosted and won the tournament in 1979, defeating Ghana in the final.
- Nigeria secured their first AFCON title in 1980 by defeating Algeria in the final.
- Algeria won their first AFCON title in 1990 by defeating Nigeria in the final held in Algeria.
- Cameroon clinched the title by defeating Nigeria in the final of 2000.
- In 2010, Egypt dominated the tournament, winning their third consecutive AFCON title by defeating Ghana in the final.
- Nigeria won their third AFCON title in 2013 by defeating Burkina Faso in the finals.
- In 2019, Algeria secured their second AFCON title by defeating Senegal in the finals that were held in Egypt.
AFCON has seen many thrilling tournaments with different nations claiming victory over the years. The ones mentioned are just a few of the most notable AFCON tournaments. AFCON not only showcases the football talent across the continent but also inspires a sense of unity and constructive competition among African nations.
Recently concluded AFCON 2024 saw the big teams in the continent like Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria getting ousted at the Quarter Finals. The host, Ivory Coast, proved to be a very tough opponent with a covetous eye for the cup. Football commentators had also warned other teams that Dr. Congo was not a team to take lightly.
After the long wait with crossed fingers, Ivory Coast won their 3rd AFCON title by beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final match.
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