History of all the African Teams Participating in AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Posted : 15 December 2025

When the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco in 2025, it will do so as a living archive of the continent’s football journey. From record-breaking dynasties to nations still chasing a first knockout breakthrough, the tournament reflects how African football has evolved across regions, generations, and styles. AFCON remains the only major international competition where history, momentum, and national identity collide so sharply.

What follows is a portrait of every participating nation, shaped by achievements, near-misses, and defining moments that continue to influence expectations heading into Morocco.

Nigeria’s AFCON story is one of enduring relevance. Three titles sit alongside a long record of deep runs and final appearances, including their runner-up finish at AFCON 2023. The Super Eagles consistently regenerate talent, ensuring their presence at the sharp end of the competition even during transitional cycles.

Côte d’Ivoire enter as reigning champions after their dramatic triumph at the 2023 edition on home soil. Their three titles reflect decades of elite individual quality combined with periods of collective maturity. The Elephants have often been judged by their ability to convert talent into titles, and recent success has reaffirmed their place among the continent’s strongest sides.

Algeria’s AFCON identity blends technical control with competitive edge. Champions in 1990 and again in 2019, the Fennec Foxes showed in their most recent triumph how disciplined structure and attacking clarity can dominate the continental stage. Morocco offers an opportunity to reassert that authority.

DR Congo carry a legacy rooted in the competition’s formative decades. Their titles in 1968 and 1974 established them as early trendsetters in African football. While recent tournaments have not delivered silverware, their history commands respect and their presence adds depth to any AFCON field.

Nations Crowned Once, Forever Marked

Morocco, hosts of AFCON 2025, return to the spotlight with a single AFCON title dating back to 1976. Their modern identity, shaped by tactical organisation and global exposure, gained worldwide recognition during their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hosting the tournament brings renewed expectation and opportunity.

Senegal’s long pursuit of continental glory ended in 2021, a title that validated years of near-misses and elite-level talent production. Their victory confirmed the Lions of Teranga as a modern force capable of converting promise into dominance.

Zambia’s 2012 triumph remains one of AFCON’s most powerful narratives. Achieved against historical and emotional weight, the Chipolopolo’s victory stands as a defining chapter in African football. Consistency has proven elusive since, but the legacy remains firmly intact.

Tunisia’s single title came on home soil in 2004, yet their wider contribution to AFCON history lies in sustained participation. They hold the record for consecutive appearances since 1994, reflecting a national system built on discipline, structure, and competitive reliability.

South Africa’s AFCON story began with immediate impact. Winning the tournament as hosts in 1996, shortly after rejoining international football, remains one of the competition’s landmark moments. Their recent strong showing at AFCON 2023 suggests renewed competitiveness.

Sudan, one of CAF’s founding nations, claimed their lone title in 1970. While modern appearances have been sporadic, their historical role in shaping African football remains significant.

Consistent Competitors Without a Crown

Burkina Faso have built a reputation as tournament specialists despite never lifting the trophy. Their runner-up finish in 2013 and repeated knockout appearances underline a side that often exceeds expectations through organisation and collective spirit.

Mali continue to operate as one of AFCON’s most technically gifted yet unfulfilled teams. Runners-up in 1972, the Eagles regularly qualify and compete with confidence, often entering tournaments as a difficult opponent for established powers.

Gabon’s AFCON history includes flashes of promise rather than sustained runs. Quarter-final appearances in 1996 and 2012 marked their best campaigns, and Morocco offers another chance to push beyond familiar limits.

Angola’s strength has traditionally emerged through physicality and structure. Back-to-back quarter-final appearances in 2008 and 2010 remain their benchmark, reinforcing their status as a side capable of unsettling more celebrated opponents.

Rising and Returning Nations

Equatorial Guinea’s AFCON journey reflects rapid growth. Hosts in 2015, they reached fourth place in a tournament that reshaped perceptions of their footballing capacity. Subsequent qualifications have confirmed that progress was not temporary.

Benin’s quarter-final run in 2019 stands as their defining AFCON achievement. Their return signals continuity rather than novelty, built on organisation and tactical discipline.

Tanzania continue to expand East Africa’s representation at AFCON. With three appearances, all ending at the group stage, their qualification record itself signals steady development.

Uganda return with a proud historical reference point. Runners-up in 1978, the Cranes have since navigated long absences from the tournament. Their reappearance reflects renewed competitive structure.

Zimbabwe’s AFCON history has largely been shaped by group-stage exits. Their return adds depth to the field, even as progression beyond the opening phase remains a central challenge.

Mozambique enter seeking a first knockout qualification. Their consistent efforts to return to AFCON underline ambition, even as tangible progress remains the next step.

Comoros represent one of AFCON’s most compelling recent stories. Debuting in 2021 and reaching the Round of 16, they established credibility immediately and altered expectations for smaller footballing nations.

Botswana complete the lineup as rare qualifiers. Their return marks only their second AFCON appearance, twelve years after their debut, and reflects steady progress within a competitive qualification landscape.

AFCON 2025 is not defined by a single favourite or storyline. It is shaped by a full spectrum of African football history, from dynasties built over decades to nations still writing their first significant chapter. Morocco provides the stage, but the tournament belongs to a continent that continues to redefine itself through the game.

History of all the African Teams Participating in AFCON 2025 in Morocco

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