Africa Cup of Nations | History, Winners, Trophy, & Facts

The tournament has acted as a platform to showcase the skills of African players. During the 1950s and ’60s, the competition’s attacking and entertaining style of play captivated the imagination of African fans, drawing the attention of European talent scouts, agents, and journalists. The presidency of Ydnekachew Tessema, an Ethiopian who led CAF from 1972 until his passing in 1987, contributed to the cup gaining increased international prestige. Professionalism was sanctioned in 1980, and corporate sponsorships were embraced in 1984. Notable performers in the cup include Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, holding the record for the most career goals in the Cup of Nations (18), and Ivorian striker Laurent Pokou, who scored five goals in a 6–1 victory over Ethiopia in 1970.

Beyond the confines of the playing arenas, the Cup of Nations has served as a channel for expressing political values and ideas. With colonial institutions lacking indigenous symbols of national identity, numerous independent African governments have invested substantial economic and political resources in their national football teams to instill pride and foster unity among their diverse populations. For instance, under the enthusiastic support of Ghana’s inaugural president, Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana claimed victory in the cup in 1963 and 1965.

The 1996 tournament, won by South Africa’s racially diverse team on home soil, appeared to symbolize football’s ability to bridge the substantial social and economic disparities left by apartheid. Conversely, following Algeria’s triumph in the 1990 Cup of Nations, the Algerian government couldn’t leverage the victory. Fans celebrated the team’s success in Algiers by expressing support for the opposition Islamic Salvation Front, revealing political tensions.

The 2010 Cup of Nations experienced violent disruptions due to political turmoil. The Togo team bus, en route to the tournament, was attacked by separatist gunmen in the Angolan exclave of Cabinda, resulting in the death of two team officials and the bus driver. Subsequently, the Togolese team withdrew from the 2010 Cup of Nations, which proceeded with a reduced 15-team field.

The table provides a list of Africa Cup of Nations winners.