AFCON 2025: A History of All Participating Teams
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco will bring together the best national teams from across the continent. From serial winners to returning nations, each team arrives with its own history, pride and ambition. Here is a simple look at the history of all the teams taking part.
The Continental Powerhouses (Five Titles or More)
Egypt (The Pharaohs)
Egypt are the most successful nation in AFCON history. They have won the title a record seven times and dominated both the early years and the modern era. Their greatest achievement came between 2006 and 2010, when they won three titles in a row. Egypt remain a major force whenever they qualify.
Cameroon (The Indomitable Lions)
Cameroon have lifted the AFCON trophy five times and are known for their strength, discipline and winning mentality. Their success spans several generations, with titles from the 1980s to 2017. They are one of Africa’s most respected football nations.
Major Contenders (Two to Four Titles)
Nigeria (The Super Eagles)
Nigeria have won AFCON three times and are one of the most consistent teams in the competition. They are famous for producing top talent and playing attacking football. The Super Eagles finished as runners-up at the last tournament and are always seen as strong title contenders.
Côte d’Ivoire (The Elephants)
The Ivorians have won the competition three times and are the reigning champions. Their 2023 triumph on home soil was a historic moment. Over the years, they have been known for individual brilliance and strong tournament performances.
Algeria (The Fennec Foxes)
Algeria have won AFCON twice, with their most recent success coming in 2019. That tournament showed their quality and unity as a team. They are one of North Africa’s traditional giants and will be aiming to return to their best level.
DR Congo (The Leopards)
DR Congo won AFCON twice in the past, during the 1960s and 1970s. While their recent record has not matched their earlier success, they remain a proud football nation with a strong history in African competitions.
Champions with One Title
Morocco (The Atlas Lions)
Morocco won AFCON once, in 1976. As hosts of the 2025 tournament, they will be aiming to win the trophy on home soil. Their recent success at the 2022 World Cup has raised expectations and belief among fans.
Senegal (The Lions of Teranga)
Senegal won their first AFCON title in 2021 after several near misses. That victory rewarded a strong generation of players. They remain one of the most balanced and competitive teams in Africa.
Zambia (The Chipolopolo)
Zambia’s only AFCON title came in 2012 in an emotional victory that touched the whole continent. The win came years after a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of the national team. Zambia are respected for their fighting spirit.
Tunisia (The Eagles of Carthage)
Tunisia won AFCON in 2004 as hosts. They are known for their tactical discipline and consistency, holding a record for consecutive tournament appearances. They are often dangerous in the knockout stages.
South Africa (Bafana Bafana)
South Africa won AFCON in 1996 during their first appearance after returning to international football. They have shown renewed strength in recent tournaments and will hope to build on that progress.
Sudan (The Falcons of Jediane)
Sudan won AFCON in 1970 on home soil. As one of the founding nations of African football, they have a rich history, although modern appearances have been limited.
Consistent Competitors (No Titles)
Burkina Faso (The Stallions)
Burkina Faso have grown into a reliable AFCON team. They finished runners-up in 2013 and regularly reach the later stages of the tournament.
Mali (The Eagles)
Mali have never won AFCON but are known for their technical quality. They reached the final in 1972 and are often seen as a dangerous dark horse.
Gabon (The Panthers)
Gabon have had some strong moments at AFCON, including quarter-final appearances. They continue to search for a deeper run in the competition.
Angola (The Palancas Negras)
Angola reached the quarter-finals in back-to-back tournaments in 2008 and 2010. They are known as a physical and well-organised side.
Rising and Returning Nations
Equatorial Guinea (Nzalang Nacional)
Equatorial Guinea impressed as hosts in 2015, finishing fourth. They have become regular qualifiers and often perform better than expected.
Benin (The Cheetahs)
Benin’s best AFCON performance came in 2019 when they reached the quarter-finals. Their return shows steady progress.
Tanzania (The Taifa Stars)
Tanzania are making their third appearance. Their recent qualifications reflect growing strength in East African football.
Uganda (The Cranes)
Uganda were runners-up in 1978 and are a proud football nation. Their return to AFCON marks a positive step after years away.
Zimbabwe (The Warriors)
Zimbabwe have qualified several times but are yet to progress beyond the group stage. They hope to change that record in Morocco.
Mozambique (The Mambas)
Mozambique are still searching for their first knockout-stage appearance. Each qualification adds valuable experience.
Comoros (The Coelacanths)
Comoros are one of Africa’s newest success stories. On their debut in 2021, they reached the knockout stage, earning widespread praise.
Botswana (The Zebras)
Botswana return to AFCON for only the second time in their history. Their qualification is a major achievement for the country.
AFCON 2025 promises a rich mix of history, ambition and fresh stories, as Africa’s football nations meet in Morocco to chase continental glory.
