As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Saturday, we focus on the most successful nations in the history of the tournament.
This Saturday, January 13, will mark the curtain raiser for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The host country will face Guinea-Bissau at around 9 p.m. to approach the tournament in the best possible way. Because they play at home, the Elephants are often placed in the caste of big favorites for a final coronation. But they are not the only ones in this category. Many African football nations can draw on their glorious past to fuel great ambitions in the tournament. Which countries have the best track record?
1 – Egypt
If it is not always recognized at its fair value by bookmakers, Egypt remains an ogre of Africa. The Pharaohs can boast of being the record winners in the history of the African Cup of Nations, with a total of 7 coronations – including 3 consecutive in the 2000s (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010). Led by a sparkling Mo Salah, Egypt, underrated, will be difficult to stop.
2 – Cameroon
Weighed down by the agitation surrounding its preparation, Cameroon remains a leader of the continent. From Roger Milla to Samuel Eto’o, many artists have embodied the golden generations of the Indomitable Lions. In total, Cameroon has won 5 CAN – the most recent in 2017 (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017).
3 – Ghana
On the third step of the podium is an English-speaking nation, Ghana. With 4 victories in the premier event (1963, 1965, 1978 1982), the Black Stars still approach the competition with heavyweight status, even if their last coronation is distant.
4 – Nigeria
Another English-speaking country, Nigeria has been able to rely on quite exceptional promotions in the past. Crowned in 1980, 1994 and 2013, the Super Eagles approach this edition in uncertainty due to a reduced group. The presence of Victor Osimhen, best African player in 2023, remains a major asset.
5 – Ivory Coast, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo
The host country of this edition therefore has two victories (1992, 2015), while Algeria establishes itself as the best student in the Maghreb with two coronations also (1990, 2019). A top 5 completed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, winner of the tournament in 1968 and 1974.
To complete this list, 8 other African football countries have their names included in the list of winners of this African Cup: Zambia – then coached by Hervé Renard (2012), Tunisia (2004), Sudan (1970), The current title holders, Senegal (2021), Ethiopia (1962), Morocco (1976), South Africa (1996) and Congo (1972).
