Over the years, eight countries have achieved the remarkable feat of hosting and winning the AFCON, a feat that requires not only exceptional footballing abilities but also outstanding organizational skills.
Hosting and winning the AFCON is a significant achievement for both the team and the host nation. It showcases their footballing prowess and organizational abilities to the world while also providing a boost to their economy through increased tourism and revenue from broadcasting rights. As such, it remains a coveted goal for many African nations as they strive to leave their mark on the continent’s football history.
Among the eight countries, 11 Afcon hosts and wins have been recorded in the 33 editions of the competitions, in its 46 years of existence of the AFCON, representing 33 percent.
As the countdown for 2023 AFCON countinues, Africanews360 brings you the list of the eight teams who have been to achieve a host and win feat, with Egypt topping the list.
1959 (Egypt):
United Arab Republic 2-1 Sudan
- 1959 AFCON had no official final, with winner determined by final round-robin group. In last match between top two teams considered de facto final, Essam Baheeg netted both goals for UAR and Saddiq Manzul scored consolation for Sudan.
1962 Final (Ethiopia):
Ethiopia 4-2 Egypt
- Ethiopia came from behind to defeat rivals Egypt 4-2 in a thrilling final on home soil, trailing 2-1 in the second half before rallying to score 3 goals and win their maiden AFCON title. Ali Mohamed Badawi Abdel Fattah scored for Egypt in the 35th and 75th minutes. Girma Teckle scored for Ethiopia in the 74th minute, Mingustu Worku scored in the 84th and 118th minutes, and Italo Vassalo scored in the 101st minute for Ethiopia.
1963 Final (Ghana):
Ghana 3-0 Sudan
- Ghana cruised to 3-0 win over Sudan in final, dominating from start to finish. Aggrey Fynn converted 62nd minute penalty and Edward Aquah sealed win with goals in 72nd and 82nd minutes to capture their first AFCON trophy on home ground.
1970 Final (Sudan):
Sudan 1-0 Ghana
- Beat Ghana 1-0 in final courtesy of Hasabu El-Sagheir’s 12th minute goal to win their first and only AFCON title at home.
1980 Final (Nigeria):
Nigeria 3-0 Algeria
- Cruised to 3-0 win over Algeria in final to capture first AFCON crown on home soil. Segun Odegbami scored 2nd minute opener and 42nd minute second goal, while Muda Lawal made it 3-0 in 50th minute.
1986 Final (Egypt):
Egypt 0-0 Cameroon (Egypt won 5-4 on penalties)
- Goalless draw against Cameroon in final but emerged victorious in tense penalty shootout 5-4 to claim the title on home soil.
1990 Final (Algeria):
Algeria 1-0 Nigeria
- Gained revenge for 1980 final loss to Nigeria by beating them 1-0 in the final, thanks to Cherif Oudjani’s 38th minute winner on home ground.
1996 Final (South Africa):
South Africa 2-0 Tunisia
- Claimed maiden AFCON title with 2-0 win over Tunisia in final on home turf. Mark Williams scored in 73rd and 75th minutes to lead victory.
2004 Final (Tunisia):
Tunisia 2-1 Morocco
- Defeated Morocco 2-1 in final to win first AFCON championship on home soil. Santos opened 5th minute scoring before Youssef Mokhtari equalized in 38th minute and Ziad Jaziri netted 81st minute winner.
2006 Final (Egypt):
Egypt 0-0 Ivory Coast (Egypt won 4-2 on penalties)
- 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast in final but won 5th AFCON title by defeating them 4-2 on penalties. Goalkeeper Essam El Hadary was hero with two saved spot kicks.
In summary, Egypt tops the list with three wins in four Afon hostings (1959, 1974, 1986, 2006, 2019)—the most hosts.
Ghana follows with two wins in four hostings (1963, 1978, 2000, and 2008)
Sudan with one win in two hostings (1962 and 1970)
Tunisia has won once two hostings (1994 and 2004), just as South Africa (1996 and 2013)
Nigeria has one win in two hostings (1980 and 2000, co-hosting with Ghana)
Ethiopia has one win in three hostings (1962, 1968, and 1976).
However Algeria which hosted it once in (1990).
