Five AFCON Records

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s most prestigious tournament, showcasing top talent from across the continent and, since 1957, bringing its inhabitants together from every walk of life.

With such a rich melting pot brought together, it stands to reason that many impressive displays of sporting excellence are bound to happen and secure a place in the history books.

Here are five AFCON records:

Top Goalscorer – Samuel Eto’o (18)

Samuel Eto’o was not only a talented football player from Cameroon, but also eventually solidified himself as one of the African continent’s finest sportsmen.

He plied his trade for several European clubs, but really shone with his appearances in several AFCON tournaments. Across six editions – 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 – he scored 18 goals in 29 matches, which cemented him as the competition’s overall top goalscorer.

Most Medals Won – Nigeria (16)

Winning titles doesn’t necessarily equate to achieving status and renown, but sometimes just showing up proves a point. Such is the case with Nigeria: despite finishing third multiple times, the West African nation has graced the podium a record 16 times by winning three gold medals, five silver medals and eight bronze medals.

Most Title Wins – Egypt (7)

It should come as no surprise that the country that won the first tournament has also chalked up the most titles since then. Egypt were the inaugural champions in 1957 and in the following decades, the North African nation has secured the AFCON title a record seven times.

Most Consecutive Appearances – Tunisia (17)

Their ratio for winning might not be as impressive, but Tunisia understands what it means to consistently show up! They have appeared 17 times since 1994. For their efforts, they have won the tournament once in 2004, and were runners-up twice (1965 and 1996) and finished third in 1962.

First Ever Tournament Goal – Raafat Attia (Egypt vs Sudan, 1957)

There’s no greater thrill than that strike that sends the ball past the goalkeeper and straight into the back of the net.

The very first AFCON goal was scored by Raafat Attia, during the semi-final between Sudan and Egypt on 10 February 1957. Egypt had been awarded a penalty at the 21-minute mark. Attia found the back of the net, cementing his place in history.