History A Brief Story of AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the biggest football tournament in Africa. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1957, when the first edition was held in Sudan. Since then, it has grown in popularity and now attracts millions of fans from all over the continent and beyond.
One of the key aspects of AFCON is the qualification process. This is where national teams from across Africa compete for a chance to play in the tournament proper. The AFCON qualifiers are a grueling process, but they help to ensure that the best teams make it to the main event.
The AFCON qualifiers take place over a period of two years, with the first round of matches usually played in June of the year before the tournament is scheduled to take place. The format of the qualifiers varies from one edition to the next, but in general, teams are grouped together and play each other home and away.
The number of teams that qualify for the AFCON varies, but in recent years, it has been 24. This means that the top two teams from each group, as well as the four best third-place teams, qualify for the tournament.
The AFCON qualifiers are not just about determining which teams make it to the tournament proper; they also provide a platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills. For many players, the AFCON qualifiers are their first taste of international football, and they will be hoping to make a name for themselves and catch the eye of scouts from top clubs around the world.
African Cup of Nations winners list:
1957 Egypt
1959 United Arab Republic
1962 Ethiopia
1963 Ghana
1965 Ghana
1968 DR Congo
1970 Sudan
1972 PR Congo
1974 Zaire
1976 Morocco
1978 Ghana
1980 Nigeria
1982 Ghana
1984 Cameroon
1986 Egypt
1988 Cameroon
1990 Algeria
1992 Ivory Coast
1994 Nigeria
1996 South Africa
1998 Egypt
2000 Cameroon
2002 Cameroon
2004 Tunisia
2006 Egypt
2008 Egypt
2010 Egypt
2012 Zambia
2013 Nigeria
2015 Ivory Coast
2017 Cameroon
2019 Algeria
2021 Senegal
History of AFCON
The history of the AFCON is a rich one, with many great moments and memorable matches. From Cameroon’s dramatic win in 1988 to Egypt’s record-setting three straight titles, the tournament has given us some of the best moments in the history of African football.
One of the most famous moments in the history of the tournament came in 1996, when South Africa hosted the event for the first time since their release from apartheid. The team, which had been banned from international football for many years, went on to win the tournament, beating Tunisia in the final.
Other great moments in the history of the AFCON include Cameroon’s dramatic victory in the 1988 final against Nigeria, which saw them come back from two goals down to win 4-3, and Egypt’s record-breaking three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
But AFCON is not just about the big moments; it is also about the passion and energy that African football brings. From the colorful fanfare to the rhythmic drumming, the tournament is a celebration of African culture and heritage. With the AFCON qualifiers currently underway, there is still a lot to play for. Some of the biggest names in African football, including Senegal, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, are all vying for a place in the tournament proper. But there are also plenty of up-and-coming teams that will be looking to cause an upset and make a name for themselves.
One of the key factors that will determine which teams make it to AFCON 2022 is the quality of their players. Some of the best football players in history have come from Africa. These players include Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and George Weah.
But the quality of African football goes beyond just individual players. The teams that have been successful in the past have been those that have been able to work together as a unit and play to their strengths. Whether it is the speed and skill of the West African teams or the physicality and organization of the North African teams, each team has its own unique style and approach.
In conclusion, the AFCON qualifiers provide a fascinating insight into African football and the passion and energy that it brings. With the next edition of the tournament just around the corner, there is a lot to look forward to for fans of African football.
