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As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the tournament returns to a country that holds a unique place in African football history. From Egypt’s long-standing dominance to Cameroon’s consistency and the recent rise of Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, the AFCON story is one of cycles, eras, and rare home triumphs.
Hosting the competition once again places Morocco at the center of that history, and opens the door to rewriting it.
A Look Back at Every AFCON Champion
Since its creation in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has crowned champions across the continent, reflecting shifts in power, football development, and regional dominance. Some nations built dynasties, while others seized a single historic moment.
Africa Cup of Nations – Champions by Year
| Year | Host Country | Champion |
| 1957 | Sudan | Egypt |
| 1959 | Egypt | Egypt |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Ethiopia |
| 1963 | Ghana | Ghana |
| 1965 | Tunisia | Ghana |
| 1968 | Ethiopia | DR Congo |
| 1970 | Sudan | Sudan |
| 1972 | Cameroon | Congo |
| 1974 | Egypt | DR Congo |
| 1976 | Ethiopia | Morocco |
| 1978 | Ghana | Ghana |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Nigeria |
| 1982 | Libya | Ghana |
| 1984 | Côte d’Ivoire | Cameroon |
| 1986 | Egypt | Egypt |
| 1988 | Morocco | Cameroon |
| 1990 | Algeria | Algeria |
| 1992 | Senegal | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 1994 | Tunisia | Nigeria |
| 1996 | South Africa | South Africa |
| 1998 | Burkina Faso | Egypt |
| 2000 | Ghana / Nigeria | Cameroon |
| 2002 | Mali | Cameroon |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Tunisia |
| 2006 | Egypt | Egypt |
| 2008 | Ghana | Egypt |
| 2010 | Angola | Egypt |
| 2012 | Gabon / Equatorial Guinea | Zambia |
| 2013 | South Africa | Nigeria |
| 2015 | Equatorial Guinea | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 2017 | Gabon | Cameroon |
| 2019 | Egypt | Algeria |
| 2021 | Cameroon | Senegal |
| 2023* | Côte d’Ivoire | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 2025 | Morocco | To be decided |
*Tournament played in early 2024.
Morocco’s only title came in 1976, during a unique final-group format. Nearly five decades later, the Atlas Lions return as hosts with an entirely different profile — global stars, modern infrastructure, and continental expectations.
Which Nations Dominate AFCON History?
While many countries have lifted the trophy at least once, only a few have managed sustained dominance. Titles often reflect long-term football structures rather than single golden generations.
Africa Cup of Nations – Titles by Nation (All-Time)
| Nation | AFCON Titles |
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 |
| DR Congo | 2 |
| Morocco | 1 |
| Tunisia | 1 |
| South Africa | 1 |
| Zambia | 1 |
| Senegal | 1 |
| Ethiopia | 1 |
| Sudan | 1 |
| Congo | 1 |
Egypt remains the benchmark, including a historic three-peat between 2006 and 2010. Cameroon follows with consistency across generations, while Côte d’Ivoire’s recent triumph confirms its modern resurgence.
Morocco, by contrast, sits among nations with a single title, a category that includes Senegal and Algeria until recently.
Why AFCON 2025 Matters So Much for Morocco
Hosting AFCON is rarely neutral. Historically, it brings pressure — but also opportunity.
Morocco enters the 2025 edition with:
- One of Africa’s most complete squads
- European-based leaders like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz
- Modern stadiums across multiple cities
- Recent global credibility following the 2022 World Cup
A home victory would not simply add a trophy. It would:
- End a 49-year title drought
- Move Morocco out of the “single-title” category
- Cement its status as a modern African powerhouse
- Redefine its historical standing alongside elite nations
In AFCON history, moments like these reshape narratives permanently.
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- Why AFCON Is Still Played in Winter: Climate, Calendars, and the Reality of African Football
- AFCON 2025 in Morocco: Five Group-Stage Matches Fans Should Not Miss
- AFCON 2025 in Morocco: Nine Records That Could Fall — and Those That May Stand Forever
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