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| How Many Times Has Egypt Won AFCON |
How many times has Egypt won AFCON? Discover Egypt’s 7 AFCON titles, full history, golden era wins, and why the Pharaohs lead African football.
Egypt’s national football team is more than just a strong side in Africa—it is a continental powerhouse with a legacy unmatched in AFCON history. If you are asking how many times has Egypt won AFCON, the short answer is seven times, the most by any nation. But the full story behind those titles reveals decades of dominance, iconic players, legendary coaches, and historic moments that shaped African football.
This in-depth guide breaks down every AFCON victory, explains how Egypt built its dominance, and places those wins in modern context—clearly answering today’s search intent with accurate, up-to-date facts.
How Many Times Has Egypt Won AFCON?
Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) seven times, making them the most successful national team in the tournament’s history.
Their AFCON titles came in the following years:
- 1957
- 1959
- 1986
- 1998
- 2006
- 2008
- 2010
No other African country has reached this total. Cameroon follows with five titles, while Ghana has four.
Why Egypt’s AFCON Record Matters
Egypt’s dominance is not accidental. It reflects:
- Consistent football development
- Strong domestic leagues
- Tactical discipline
- Long-term investment in youth and coaching
According to historical records published by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and corroborated by global football authorities such as FIFA, Egypt’s seven AFCON titles remain a benchmark for excellence in African football.
Egypt’s First AFCON Triumphs (1957 & 1959)
1957: The Birth of AFCON Dominance
Egypt won the first-ever AFCON tournament in 1957, hosted in Sudan. At the time, only three teams participated, but Egypt’s victory set the foundation for its football identity.
Key facts:
- Egypt defeated Ethiopia in the final
- The team was known as the United Arab Republic
- Mohamed Diab Al-Attar (“El-Diba”) emerged as a star
1959: Back-to-Back Champions
Egypt hosted AFCON in 1959 and successfully defended their title.
Highlights:
- Tournament held in Cairo
- Egypt won all matches
- El-Diba scored five goals in one game, a record that still stands
These early wins established Egypt as Africa’s first football superpower.
The Long Wait and the 1986 Breakthrough
After 1959, Egypt experienced a 27-year drought without an AFCON title.
1986: Glory at Home
Egypt ended the drought in 1986, hosting AFCON on home soil.
Key moments:
- Final played at Cairo International Stadium
- Egypt defeated Cameroon on penalties
- Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary emerged as a national hero
This victory reignited Egypt’s continental ambitions and reshaped its football future.
1998: Egypt’s Fourth AFCON Title
Egypt claimed their fourth AFCON title in 1998 in Burkina Faso.
Why this win mattered:
- Egypt defeated South Africa 2–0 in the final
- It marked Egypt’s return as a dominant force
- Introduced a new generation of disciplined, tactical players
This win laid the groundwork for Egypt’s golden era.
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 other country has achieved.
AFCON 2006 (Egypt – Hosts)
- Defeated Ivory Coast in the final on penalties
- Tournament MVP: Mohamed Aboutrika
- Massive national celebration across Egypt
AFCON 2008 (Ghana)
- Defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the final
- Goal scored by Mohamed Aboutrika
- Tactical brilliance praised by international analysts
AFCON 2010 (Angola)
- Defeated Ghana 1–0 in the final
- Egypt finished with a 100% win record
- Hassan Shehata became one of Africa’s greatest coaches
This period is widely recognized by outlets such as BBC Sport and CAF as the most dominant stretch in AFCON history.
Complete List of Egypt’s AFCON Titles
| Year | Host Country | Final Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Sudan | Ethiopia | Win |
| 1959 | Egypt | Sudan | Win |
| 1986 | Egypt | Cameroon | Penalties |
| 1998 | Burkina Faso | South Africa | 2–0 |
| 2006 | Egypt | Ivory Coast | Penalties |
| 2008 | Ghana | Cameroon | 1–0 |
| 2010 | Angola | Ghana | 1–0 |
How Egypt Compares to Other AFCON Giants
When asking how many times has Egypt won AFCON, comparison provides context.
Top AFCON winners:
- Egypt – 7 titles
- Cameroon – 5 titles
- Ghana – 4 titles
- Nigeria – 3 titles
Egypt stands alone at the top, a fact consistently confirmed by official CAF competition records.
Key Players Behind Egypt’s AFCON Success
Several legends defined Egypt’s AFCON dominance:
- Mohamed Aboutrika – Iconic playmaker
- Essam El-Hadary – Oldest AFCON winner and legendary goalkeeper
- Hassan Shehata – Most successful AFCON coach
- Ahmed Hassan – Most capped AFCON player
Their influence shaped Egypt’s football philosophy for generations.
Why Egypt Hasn’t Won AFCON Since 2010
Despite reaching finals in 2017 and 2021, Egypt has not added to its tally.
Key reasons:
- Transition between generations
- Stronger competition across Africa
- Tactical evolution by other nations
However, with talents like Mohamed Salah, Egypt remains a constant AFCON contender.
Does AFCON 2025 Change Egypt’s Record?
As of the most recent completed AFCON tournament, Egypt’s official total remains seven titles. No new AFCON win has been added since 2010, and Egypt still holds the all-time record.
For real-time updates and official competition statistics, CAF’s official tournament archive and FIFA’s national team records remain the most reliable references.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Egypt won AFCON?
Egypt has won AFCON seven times, more than any other African nation.
When was Egypt’s last AFCON win?
Egypt last won AFCON in 2010.
Has any country won AFCON more than Egypt?
No. Egypt holds the all-time record.
Did Mohamed Salah win AFCON with Egypt?
No. Mohamed Salah has reached finals but has not yet won AFCON.
Conclusion: Egypt’s AFCON Legacy Is Unmatched
So, how many times has Egypt won AFCON? The definitive answer remains seven titles, a record built over more than six decades of football excellence. From early dominance to an unforgettable golden era, Egypt’s AFCON legacy continues to shape African football history.
If you enjoy deep football history and up-to-date AFCON analysis, explore more African football records, legendary players, and tournament breakdowns—and stay informed as Egypt continues its quest for an eighth title.
