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| Egypt AFCON Wins History |
Egypt AFCON wins history explained: discover how many times Egypt has won the AFCON, full title years, legends, and why Egypt dominates African football.
Egypt’s name is inseparable from the African Cup of Nations. For decades, football fans searching Egypt AFCON wins history want one clear answer: how did Egypt become Africa’s most successful national team? The story is not just about trophies, but about consistency, legendary players, tactical evolution, and an unmatched winning culture.
This in-depth guide explores how many times has Egypt won the AFCON, the years of triumph, the key figures behind those victories, and why Egypt’s AFCON record remains unmatched in African football history.
Egypt and the African Cup of Nations: An Overview
Egypt is the most successful nation in AFCON history. Long before many African teams established continental dominance, Egypt—known as The Pharaohs—was already shaping the tournament’s legacy.
From early editions of AFCON to the modern era, Egypt has consistently combined tactical discipline, technical skill, and mental strength, making them the benchmark for success on the continent.
How Many Times Has Egypt Won the AFCON?
One of the most searched football questions in Africa is:
How many times has Egypt won the AFCON?
Egypt has won the African Cup of Nations a record seven (7) times.
This achievement places Egypt firmly at the top of AFCON’s all-time winners list, ahead of Cameroon and Ghana.
Complete List of Egypt’s AFCON Titles
Egypt’s AFCON victories span multiple generations, showing long-term dominance rather than short-term success.
Egypt AFCON Wins by Year
- 1957 – Champions (Sudan)
- 1959 – Champions (Egypt)
- 1986 – Champions (Egypt)
- 1998 – Champions (Burkina Faso)
- 2006 – Champions (Egypt)
- 2008 – Champions (Ghana)
- 2010 – Champions (Angola)
Each victory reflects a different era in African football and a different Egyptian team identity.
Egypt’s First AFCON Triumphs: 1957 and 1959
Egypt was one of the founding participants of the African Cup of Nations.
AFCON 1957 – The Beginning of History
- Egypt won the very first AFCON tournament in 1957.
- The competition featured only three teams.
- Egypt defeated Ethiopia in the final to become Africa’s first champions.
This victory laid the foundation for Egypt’s long-term dominance.
AFCON 1959 – Confirming Supremacy
Hosted in Egypt, the 1959 tournament saw:
- A round-robin format
- Egypt finishing top of the standings
- Another continental title secured
By 1959, Egypt had already won AFCON twice—an early statement of intent.
The Long Wait: Egypt’s 27-Year Title Drought
After winning in 1959, Egypt experienced a long AFCON title drought that lasted until 1986.
Despite:
- Regular tournament appearances
- Strong squads
- Occasional deep runs
The trophy remained elusive for nearly three decades.
AFCON 1986: Ending the Drought at Home
AFCON 1986, hosted by Egypt, marked a turning point.
Key Highlights
- Egypt reached the final against Cameroon
- The match ended 0–0 after extra time
- Egypt won on penalties
This victory was symbolic—it restored Egypt’s status as a continental powerhouse and reconnected the team with its winning heritage.
AFCON 1998: Egypt Returns to the Top
Egypt’s fourth AFCON title came in 1998 in Burkina Faso.
Why 1998 Was Important
- Egypt defeated South Africa in the final
- Marked the beginning of Egypt’s modern AFCON era
- Introduced a new generation of tactical discipline
This win bridged the gap between Egypt’s early dominance and its historic golden era in the 2000s.
The Golden Era: 2006, 2008, and 2010
Egypt’s most legendary period came between 2006 and 2010, when they won three consecutive AFCON titles—a feat no nation has ever repeated.
AFCON 2006: Glory on Home Soil
Hosted in Egypt, the 2006 tournament showcased:
- Exceptional squad depth
- Tactical flexibility
- Unmatched home support
Egypt defeated Ivory Coast in the final on penalties, igniting a new golden age.
AFCON 2008: Tactical Mastery in Ghana
In 2008:
- Egypt dominated the tournament from start to finish
- Defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the final
- Demonstrated elite tactical organization
This victory confirmed Egypt as Africa’s strongest team of the era.
AFCON 2010: Completing the Historic Treble
AFCON 2010 in Angola cemented Egypt’s legendary status.
- Egypt won all six matches
- Beat Ghana 1–0 in the final
- Finished the tournament unbeaten
By winning three AFCON titles in a row, Egypt achieved a record that still stands today.
Key Figures in Egypt AFCON Wins History
Hassan El-Shazly
- Joint top scorer in AFCON history
- Key figure in early Egyptian success
Hossam Hassan
- AFCON winner in 1986 and 1998
- One of Egypt’s greatest strikers
Mohamed Aboutrika
- Central to the 2006, 2008, and 2010 wins
- Known for creativity, leadership, and clutch performances
Hassan Shehata (Head Coach)
- Led Egypt to three consecutive AFCON titles
- Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest coaches
- Built a system focused on cohesion over individual stardom
CAF’s official tournament records consistently credit Shehata’s tactical philosophy as a major factor in Egypt’s dominance.
Egypt’s AFCON Final Appearances Beyond Their Wins
Even when Egypt didn’t win AFCON, they often reached the final.
Notable runner-up finishes include:
- 1962
- 2017 (lost to Cameroon)
- 2021 (lost to Senegal on penalties)
This consistency further explains how many times has Egypt won the AFCON compared to other nations.
Why Egypt Is the Most Successful AFCON Nation
Several factors explain Egypt’s AFCON success:
- Strong domestic league structure
- Tactical discipline over individual flair
- Mental toughness in knockout matches
- Experience handling high-pressure finals
International football analysts and reputable sports media like BBC Sport have repeatedly highlighted Egypt’s ability to win tournaments even without global superstars.
Egypt AFCON Wins Compared to Other African Nations
For context:
- Egypt: 7 titles
- Cameroon: 5 titles
- Ghana: 4 titles
- Nigeria: 3 titles
This gap underscores Egypt’s historical dominance.
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Common Questions About Egypt AFCON Wins History
Has Egypt ever lost an AFCON final on penalties?
Yes, notably in 2021, when Egypt lost to Senegal on penalties.
Will Egypt break their AFCON record?
With seven titles already, Egypt continues to aim for an eighth, maintaining their status as Africa’s most successful team.
Egypt’s AFCON Legacy Today
Even in recent tournaments, Egypt remains a feared opponent. Their AFCON history shapes how teams prepare against them, knowing experience often outweighs flair in knockout football.
Young players entering the national team inherit a culture built on winning—not just participation.
Final Thoughts on Egypt AFCON Wins History
To clearly answer the core question:
- How many times has Egypt won the AFCON?
Seven times.
Egypt’s AFCON wins history is unmatched, built across generations, eras, and tactical philosophies. No African nation has dominated the tournament as consistently or as successfully.
Final
If you want more authoritative African football breakdowns, tournament histories, and national team records, explore more expert-level guides and stay connected to verified sources.
AFCON history matters—and Egypt wrote most of it.
