A Brief History of AFCON

The history of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has provided a colorful and unique experience for those that have followed the tournament for well over half a century. 

From humble beginnings - only 3 sides entered the 1st competition in 1957 - the AFCON has grown to become a major event in the international football calendar. 

With much of the African continent colonized by European states throughout the formative years of football, many nations struggled to have the autonomy to make decisions for themselves.

With the decline of empires - especially the British empire in the middle of the 20th century - the Confederation of African Football was formed in 1957 and acknowledged by FIFA. 

To celebrate, a first African international competition - hosted by Sudan - was held that same year as mentioned. 

Egypt, Ethiopia - given a bye to the final - and Sudan were the first participants; Egypt would make history, winning the first edition, defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final. 

South Africa had been one of the original teams to enter but were subsequently barred from the competition after their apartheid regime only wanted to field white players. 

To date the Egyptians are the record holders of the competition with 7 wins, dominating in the 2000’s with consecutive wins in 2006, 2008, and 2010. 

The introduction of qualifying rounds for AFCON was introduced in 1968. 

Unsurprisingly with many African countries left in political turmoil after centuries of colonial rule, dictators and governments have used the tournament as a form of propaganda. 

One such example is Ghana’s hosting and winning of the 1963 edition. Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah poured resources into football infrastructure to see his newly christened ‘Black Stars’ - named after the ship The Black Star chartered by pan-African leader Marcus Garvey in 1922 to take black Americans and Caribbeans back to Africa - dominate the mid 1960’s in AFCON. 

There is no doubt the positive impact the creation of CAF and the AFCON had on African football at the World Cup. 

Having a seat at the table in FIFA allowed them to fight for the right to play at the showpiece event; between 1934 & and 1970 no African side qualified for the World Cup.

It may have taken a while, but by 1998 5 sides from Africa took their rightful place at that year's edition in France. We have also been treated to the likes of Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana reaching the quarters, as well as Morocco finishing 4th in 2022. 

Unlike The European Championship or Copa America, AFCON is a more competitive tournament where any of a number of sides could take the trophy home; Since 2010 no side has won the title back-to-back.

With some of the greats of football such as Thomas N’kono, Abedi Pele, George Weah, Jay-Jay Okocha, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah having written their name into the history of AFCON; it does not lack star power. 

The quality of play might not be of the level we expect in Europe, but every football fan should watch the tournament when it comes around, it is a unique footballing experience that is not just for football hipsters.

You might just end up watching the next breakout star or a player like Salah put the full stop on a storied international career by finally winning the trophy he so craves.