Nine Africa Cup of Nations records you need to know ahead of Morocco 2025

1. Most titles: Egypt - 7

The Pharaohs remain the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven triumphs (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010), including an unprecedented three in a row between 2006 and 2010 under Hassan Shehata. Egypt haven't won it since 2010, but they still hold a clear lead over the chasing pack.

2. Second most titles: Cameroon - 5

The Indomitable Lions sit alone in second place with five crowns (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017). Remarkably, they have reached nine finals in total, giving them one of the best win ratios among the traditional powerhouses.

3. Most successful coaches: Charles Gyamfi and Hassan Shehata - 3 titles each

Two African coaching legends share the record. Ghana's Charles Gyamfi won in 1963, 1965 and 1982, while Egypt's Hassan Shehata is the only man to win three consecutive tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010). No coach has lifted the trophy more times.

4. All-time leading goalscorer: Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 18 goals

The iconic Samuel Eto'o still reigns supreme, scoring 18 goals in 29 AFCON appearances across six tournaments (2000-2010). The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker participated in four finals and won two of them (2000 and 2002).

5. Most goals in a single tournament: 9 - Ndaye Mulamba (DR Congo, 1974)

During the 1974 edition in Egypt, Zaire's (now DR Congo) Pierre Ndaye Mulamba scored nine goals in six matches - including four in the semi-final against Zambia - to fire his country to their second and most recent AFCON title.

6. Longest unbeaten run: Egypt - 21 matches (2004-2012)

From the 2004 group stage until the 2012 group stage, Egypt went 21 AFCON matches without defeat (19 wins, 2 draws), a streak that included three consecutive titles and the 2010 triumph where they won every game without conceding a single goal.

7. Most tournament appearances by a player: 8 - Ahmed Hassan (Egypt) & Rigobert Song (Cameroon)

Two defensive legends share this record. Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan appeared in every tournament from 1996 to 2010, winning four titles. Rigobert Song matched him, playing in eight finals between 1996 and 2010 and reaching two finals with Cameroon.

8. Only person to win it as player and coach: Mahmoud El-Gohary (Egypt)

Mahmoud El-Gohary remains unique in AFCON history. He won the tournament as a player in 1959 and then lifted the trophy again as head coach in 1998, guiding a golden generation featuring the likes of Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan to glory.

9. Most final defeats: Ghana - 5

The Black Stars have appeared in nine finals but lost five of them (1968, 1970, 1992, 2010, 2015) - more than any other nation. If Ghana had converted even three of those runner-up finishes into victories, they would today be level with Egypt on seven titles.

Which of these records will be broken when Morocco hosts the 35th edition of Africa's greatest football showpiece? Only time will tell!

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