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| How Many AFCON Finals Has Egypt Played |
How many AFCON finals has Egypt played? Discover Egypt’s 10 AFCON final appearances, wins, losses, key years, and why they dominate African football.
Egypt’s reputation in African football is built on longevity, consistency, and an unmatched record in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). For fans searching how many AFCON finals has Egypt played, the question goes beyond numbers—it reflects decades of dominance, heartbreak, triumph, and legacy. Egypt has not only won the tournament more than any other nation, but they have also appeared in the final stage more times than most African teams combined.
This comprehensive guide provides a clear, accurate, and up-to-date explanation of Egypt’s AFCON final appearances, including the years, outcomes, key moments, and what those finals reveal about Egypt’s place in African football history.
Egypt and the Africa Cup of Nations: Setting the Context
Egypt is one of the founding nations of the Africa Cup of Nations. Since the tournament’s inception in 1957, Egypt has been a constant presence, shaping AFCON’s identity and competitive standards.
While many countries have experienced short bursts of success, Egypt’s strength lies in sustained excellence across generations, making their AFCON final appearances a crucial metric of their dominance.
How Many AFCON Finals Has Egypt Played?
To answer the main question directly:
How many AFCON finals has Egypt played?
Egypt has played a total of 10 AFCON finals.
Out of these:
- 7 finals ended in victory
- 3 finals ended in defeat
This record makes Egypt:
- The country with the most AFCON titles
- One of the teams with the highest number of final appearances in tournament history
Full List of AFCON Finals Played by Egypt
Below is a chronological overview of every AFCON final Egypt has played, showing how their success spans more than six decades.
Egypt’s AFCON Final Appearances by Year
- 1957 – Egypt vs Ethiopia (Win)
- 1959 – Egypt vs Sudan (Win)
- 1962 – Egypt vs Ghana (Loss)
- 1986 – Egypt vs Cameroon (Win)
- 1998 – Egypt vs South Africa (Win)
- 2006 – Egypt vs Ivory Coast (Win)
- 2008 – Egypt vs Cameroon (Win)
- 2010 – Egypt vs Ghana (Win)
- 2017 – Egypt vs Cameroon (Loss)
- 2021 – Egypt vs Senegal (Loss)
These ten finals form the backbone of Egypt’s AFCON legacy.
Egypt’s First AFCON Finals: 1957 and 1959
AFCON 1957 Final
- Tournament host: Sudan
- Final: Egypt vs Ethiopia
- Result: Egypt won convincingly
This was the first AFCON final ever played, and Egypt emerged as Africa’s first continental champions, immediately setting the tone for future tournaments.
AFCON 1959 Final
- Host: Egypt
- Format: Round-robin, not a traditional knockout final
- Egypt finished top of the standings
Although different in structure, 1959 is officially recognized as a final-stage triumph. By this point, Egypt had already played—and won—two AFCON finals.
The First Final Defeat: AFCON 1962
AFCON 1962 Final – Ghana vs Egypt
- Host: Ethiopia
- Result: Egypt lost to Ghana
This was Egypt’s first AFCON final loss, ending their perfect record in finals at the time. It also marked the rise of Ghana as a continental force.
Despite the loss, Egypt’s appearance in the final confirmed their consistency in the early years of AFCON.
The Long Gap Before the Next Final (1962–1986)
After the 1962 final, Egypt experienced a long period without reaching the AFCON final.
During this era:
- Egypt still qualified regularly
- Political changes and football restructuring affected performance
- Other nations like Ghana and Cameroon dominated
The drought lasted 24 years, making Egypt’s return to the final in 1986 even more significant.
AFCON 1986 Final: A Historic Comeback
Egypt vs Cameroon – AFCON 1986 Final
- Host: Egypt
- Result: 0–0 draw, Egypt won on penalties
This final is remembered as one of the most emotional moments in Egyptian football history. Winning at home, on penalties, restored national pride and re-established Egypt as a continental powerhouse.
It was Egypt’s fourth AFCON final appearance and their third title.
AFCON 1998 Final: Egypt’s Return to Dominance
Egypt vs South Africa – AFCON 1998 Final
- Host: Burkina Faso
- Result: Egypt won 2–0
This final marked Egypt’s fifth AFCON final appearance and showcased a more tactically disciplined team. The victory signaled the beginning of Egypt’s modern era of AFCON success.
The Golden Era Finals: 2006, 2008, and 2010
Egypt’s most famous AFCON period came in the 2000s, when they reached three consecutive finals—and won all three.
AFCON 2006 Final – Egypt vs Ivory Coast
- Host: Egypt
- Result: 0–0, Egypt won on penalties
This final highlighted Egypt’s mental strength. Against a star-studded Ivory Coast side, Egypt held firm and prevailed under pressure.
AFCON 2008 Final – Egypt vs Cameroon
- Host: Ghana
- Result: Egypt won 1–0
This was Egypt’s seventh AFCON final appearance. Tactical discipline and efficient play defined the win, reinforcing Egypt’s status as Africa’s most balanced team.
AFCON 2010 Final – Egypt vs Ghana
- Host: Angola
- Result: Egypt won 1–0
By winning this final, Egypt achieved:
- Three consecutive AFCON titles
- Seven total championships
- One of the most dominant runs in international football
No African nation has repeated this feat.
Recent AFCON Finals: 2017 and 2021
AFCON 2017 Final – Egypt vs Cameroon
- Host: Gabon
- Result: Egypt lost 2–1
This final ended Egypt’s unbeaten record in finals since 1962. Despite the loss, Egypt’s run to the final surprised many analysts and marked a resurgence.
AFCON 2021 Final – Egypt vs Senegal
- Host: Cameroon (played in 2022)
- Result: 0–0, Egypt lost on penalties
This was Egypt’s tenth AFCON final appearance, reaffirming their ability to reach the tournament’s biggest stage even in a highly competitive modern era.
Summary Table: Egypt’s AFCON Finals Record
- AFCON finals played: 10
- Wins: 7
- Losses: 3
- First final: 1957
- Most recent final: 2021
This record explains why searches for how many AFCON finals has Egypt played remain consistently popular.
Why Egypt Reaches AFCON Finals So Often
Several factors explain Egypt’s repeated final appearances:
- Strong domestic league structure
- Emphasis on tactical discipline
- Experience handling knockout pressure
- Football culture rooted in international success
Reputable sports outlets like BBC Sport and CAF’s official competition records consistently highlight Egypt’s ability to perform in tournament settings.
Multimedia That Adds Value
To deepen understanding, readers may explore:
- AFCON final highlights on CAF’s verified platforms
- Documentary footage of Egypt’s 2006–2010 teams
- Tactical breakdown videos of Egypt’s defensive systems
These visual resources complement the historical data.
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Egypt Compared to Other AFCON Finalists
For context:
- Egypt: 10 finals
- Cameroon: 7 finals
- Ghana: 9 finals
- Nigeria: 5 finals
Egypt’s consistency at the final stage remains exceptional.
What Egypt’s AFCON Finals Mean for the Future
Even when Egypt does not win, reaching the final reinforces their reputation. Young players entering the national team inherit:
- Experience-driven expectations
- A culture of tournament football
- A legacy defined by finals, not just participation
Final Thoughts: How Many AFCON Finals Has Egypt Played?
To conclude clearly:
Egypt has played 10 AFCON finals, winning 7 and losing 3.
This record cements Egypt as the most successful and one of the most consistent teams in African football history.
Final
If you want more authoritative African football insights, AFCON records, and national team histories, continue exploring expert-level guides built on verified facts and clear analysis.
Egypt’s AFCON story is not just history—it’s a standard.
