The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday, February 11, beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The pilot cried when he realized why the birds were flying next to the plane
The Eagles took the lead in the 38th minute from a Troost-Ekong header.
The hosts Ivory Coast came back to win the game, thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and star striker Sebastian Haller.
Here are nine countries that have hosted and won the AFCON
1. Egypt (1959, 1986, and 2006)
Since the establishment of the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt has been a frequent participant, having played in 26 of 34 AFCON editions, and having won a total of six.
The Egyptians won the inaugural in 1957 and won last in the year 2010.
They have won three times as host of AFCON in the year in 1959, 1986 and 2006.
2. Ethiopia (1962)
Ethiopia won their first and only AFCON title in 1962 as hosts.
They triumphed over Egypt in the final, winning 4-2 after extra time.
This victory was a significant milestone for Ethiopian football, highlighting the country’s rich footballing culture and history.
3. Ghana (1963, 1978)
Ghana hosted and won the AFCON in 1963 and 1978.
Their first title in the history of AFCON came in 1963.
The Black Stars defeated Sudan 3-0 in the final, showcasing the emerging talent and football passion in the country.
In 1978, AFCON host Ghana defeated Uganda in the final to emerge the winner.
4. Sudan (1970)
During the 1950s to 1970s, Sudan was one of Africa’s best teams.
Sudan hosted the AFCON in 1970 and defeated Ghana in the final.
5. Nigeria (1980)
Summary: Nigeria hosted and won the AFCON in 1980, their first-ever championship in the tournament.
The Super Eagles defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final, a victory that ignited a fervent celebration across the nation and marked the beginning of Nigeria’s rise to prominence in African football.
6. Algeria (1990)
Algeria captured their first AFCON title in 1990, taking full advantage of being the host nation.
They won the final against Nigeria with a 1-0 score line, showcasing a strong team performance throughout the tournament and sparking widespread celebrations among the Algerian populace.
7. South Africa (1996)
South Africa hosted and won the AFCON in 1996, shortly after their return to international football following the end of apartheid.
The Bafana Bafana team defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the final, a victory that held deep significance for the country and its efforts to unify and heal through sport.
8. Tunisia (2004)
In total, Tunisia participated in the African Cup of Nations 21 times, played 80 matches, won in 25 matches, tied 29 matches and lost 26 of them, scored 99 goals and accepted 94 goals.
Tunisia hosted the competition on three occasions in 1965, 1994 and 2004.
They hosted and won in 2004.
In the 1965 edition, Tunisia hosted the competition and reached the final but lost the title to Ghana 2–3 after extra time.
9. Côte D’Ivoire (2024)
The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire became the latest country to host the AFCON and win it by beating Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday, February 12.
The Ivorians came back to win by 2 goals to one after William Troost Ekong gave the Super Eagles the lead in the first half.
