Top 8 Most Successful African National Teams in AFCON History

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a football competition that highlights Africa’s best national teams and captures collective pride.

The league has produced champions whose names have come to represent football brilliance throughout the continent since its founding in 1957.

These are the top eight nations in the tournament’s illustrious history, ordered by the number of trophies they have won, as of the end of the 2025–2026 AFCON cycle:

1. Egypt – Seven Championships

With seven AFCON trophies, Egypt is without a doubt the dominant force in African football competitions more than any other nation.

Their triumphs date back to the competition’s inception in the 1950s and include an unparalleled three-peat in the 2000s (2006, 2008, and 2010).

Despite the fact that they haven’t contributed to their trophy collection since 2010, their reputation for success is unwavering.

2. Cameroon – Five Championships

Cameroon is not far behind Egypt with AFCON titles. With triumphs in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and most recently in 2017, the Indomitable Lions solidified their position as continental giants.

From penalty shootouts to strategic masterclasses, Cameroon’s lengthy history of physical tenacity and exceptional talent has produced some of the most iconic moments in tournament history.

3. Ghana – Four Championships

With four AFCON victories in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, Ghana’s Black Stars are third in the all-time total title.

The West African country’s early triumph in the competition solidified its standing as one of Africa’s football hotspots.

4. Nigeria – Three Championships

Nigeria has won the AFCON trophy three times (1980, 1994, and 2013), impressing supporters throughout the continent with its brilliant football.

The Nigerian team, the Super Eagles, has consistently advanced to the tournament’s latter stages, making multiple appearances in the semifinals and finals, and has won titles as one of Africa’s football titans.

5. Ivory Coast – Three Championships

Ivory Coast has won three AFCON titles (1992, 2015, and 2023) so far, demonstrating a long-standing and proud football heritage. Their most recent victory in 2023 solidified their place among Africa’s top footballing nations.

It’s interesting to note that Ivory Coast and Nigeria are equal for fourth place in Africa’s all-time winners list because they have the same number of AFCON titles.

6. Algeria – Two Championships

In African football, Algeria has solidified its position as a dominant force. Les Fennecs, the Algerian national team, won the African Cup of Nations twice, in 1990 and 2019.

The 1990 home victory was a momentous occasion that brought the country together and demonstrated Algeria’s tactical and technical mastery.

7. DR Congo – Two Championships

With two AFCON titles, in 1968 and 1974, respectively, the Democratic Republic of Congo, once known as Congo-Kinshasa and then Zaire, has a distinctive AFCON history.

Under the Congo-Kinshasa banner, DR Congo won in 1968, solidifying its position as a growing force in African football.

Six years later, in 1974, Zaire’s national team astonished the continent once more.

8. Senegal – Two Championships

Senegal’s African Cup of Nations odyssey is a story of tenacity, development, and ultimate success.

Les Lions de la Teranga, the national squad, won two AFCON titles in 2021 and 2025. Senegal eventually won the top trophy after years of near misses.

Senegal’s historic victory in the 2025 African Cup of Nations solidifies its place among Africa’s top nations. The latest AFCON victory showcases its development as a football nation.