AFCON 2025 begins on December 21: history is part of the game

The Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner: it begins on December 21, and you can watch every match EXCLUSIVELY on beIN SPORTS.

As Morocco prepares to host the 24 participating nations, the legacy of this iconic tournament rises to the surface once more. Over nearly seven decades, AFCON has crowned legendary teams, surprising champions and dynasties that shaped the continent.

With kickoff so close, we revisit the tournament’s roll of honor—from the smallest to the largest trophy hauls—to understand how the chapters of African football were written.

One-time champions: nations that carved their moment in history

They may have lifted the trophy only once, but these teams left a lasting mark on AFCON. The list includes Zambia (2012), Tunisia (2004), Sudan (1970), Senegal (2021), Ethiopia (1962), Morocco (1976), South Africa (1996) and Congo (1972).

Their triumphs represent different eras of the competition: from the pioneering champions of the 60s and 70s to modern success stories like Senegal, whose golden generation finally conquered Africa after decades of waiting.

Two-time champions: nations that proved it wasn’t a coincidence

Only two countries have exactly two AFCON titles: Algeria (1990, 2019) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1968, 1974).

Algeria revived its footballing prestige with its 2019 triumph, while DR Congo shined brightest in the 1970s, becoming a powerhouse built on physicality and attacking talent.

Three-time champions: consistency across generations

Further up the list are Ivory Coast (1992, 2015, 2023) and Nigeria (1980, 1994, 2013)—two giants of African football.

Their trophy hauls reflect decades of elite performance, with generations capable of dominating in different moments of the tournament’s long history.

Ghana: four-time champions chasing their return to glory

With four titles (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982), Ghana stands as one of AFCON’s true heavyweights.
The Black Stars haven’t lifted the trophy since 1982, but their tradition, youth development and competitive pedigree always make them contenders—especially on the grand stage Morocco will offer in 2025.

Cameroon and its legacy of five titles

The Indomitable Lions hold one of the greatest dynasties in the competition, winning five championships (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017).

Few nations have shaped Africa’s footballing identity as strongly as Cameroon, a team capable of imposing its style across multiple eras—and still a constant threat in every edition.

Egypt: the undisputed king of the Africa Cup of Nations

At the very top sits Egypt, the all-time record holder with seven titles: 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The Pharaohs’ three-peat between 2006 and 2010 remains unmatched and stands as the greatest period of dominance the tournament has ever seen. No other nation has maintained such sustained excellence.

Their legacy sets the standard everyone else hopes to reach—and Morocco 2025 could once again put that benchmark to the test.

On December 21, a new race for African glory begins — and you’ll be able to watch it all on beIN SPORTS.