10 countries that have qualified for AFCON most times

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Egypt leads the list of African countries with the most appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having featured at the finals 27 times.

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The figures, based on participation at the finals through the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, show the depth of experience among some of Africa’s traditional football powers.

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CAF’s official records list Egypt as the record holder, while Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and several other countries are also among the most frequent participants.

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Here are the top 10 countries with the most appearances at the tournament:

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1. Egypt — 27 appearances

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Egypt holds the record for the most AFCON appearances, having featured at 27 editions of the tournament.

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The Pharaohs have also won the competition a record seven times, including three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

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2. Côte d’Ivoire — 26 appearances

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The reigning champions, Côte d’Ivoire, are second on the all-time list with 26 AFCON appearances.

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The Elephants have won the tournament three times — in 1992, 2015 and 2023.

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3. Ghana — 24 appearances

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Ghana have made 24 appearances at the AFCON finals.

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The Black Stars have won the competition four times, with their most recent title coming in 1982.

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4. Cameroon — 22 appearances

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Cameroon have appeared at the finals 22 times.

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The Indomitable Lions are five-time African champions, with their titles coming in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017.

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5. Tunisia — 22 appearances

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Tunisia have also made 22 AFCON appearances.

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The Carthage Eagles hold the record for the longest run of consecutive appearances, having qualified for 17 successive editions from 1994 to 2025.

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6. DR Congo — 21 appearances

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DR Congo have featured at the AFCON finals 21 times.

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The country, formerly known as Zaire, has won the competition twice, in 1968 and 1974.

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7. Nigeria — 21 appearances

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Nigeria have also made 21 appearances at the AFCON finals.

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The Super Eagles have won the tournament three times — in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

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8. Algeria — 21 appearances

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Algeria have reached the AFCON finals 21 times.

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The Desert Foxes have won the competition twice, lifting the trophy in 1990 and 2019.

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9. Morocco — 20 appearances

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Morocco have made 20 AFCON appearances, including the 2025 edition as hosts.

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The Atlas Lions’ only AFCON title came in 1976.

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10. Zambia — 19 appearances

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Zambia complete the top 10 with 19 appearances at the AFCON finals.

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The Chipolopolo won their only AFCON title in 2012

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