The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football championship in Africa, held every two years. Since starting in 1957, the month-long competition has brought together national teams seeking the coveted title.
AFCON’s history has seen several nations lift the trophy multiple times, led by Egypt’s record 7 championships. Other teams like Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria have also won the tournament on multiple occasions over the decades.
However, for some nations, the joy of being crowned AFCON champions has only come once. Though spread over many years, these singular triumphs represent career-defining moments.
Of the 8 countries that have won AFCON just once, 5 have qualified for the upcoming 2023 tournament and are hoping to capture their second continental title – Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia and Senegal. For these nations, the 2023 event offers the chance to secure a second AFCON victory after their lone past glory.
AFCON 2023 kick starts in Ivory Coast on Saturday January 13.
Below is the full list of countries that have won the Africa Cup of Nations only a single time since its inception, with their year of triumph:
- Ethiopia – 1962
- Sudan – 1970
- Congo – 1972
- Morocco – 1976
- South Africa – 1996
- Tunisia – 2004
- Zambia – 2012
- Senegal – 2021
