AFCON: A brief history of Africa’s premier football tournament
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also known as the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, is the premier international football tournament in Africa. It has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1957. Here’s a brief overview of AFCON’s history:
Inaugural Tournament (1957):
In 1957, the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations took place in Sudan, marking the dawn of a prestigious football competition. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this historic event saw the participation of just three teams: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Amid fierce competition, Egypt emerged as the first-ever champions of AFCON, etching their name in the tournament’s history books.
Expansion of Participation (1960s):
The tournament gained significant popularity during the 1960s as more African nations began to participate. It was during this era of burgeoning interest that Ghana, a nation that had gained its independence in 1957, made history by becoming the first host nation outside of North Africa to clinch victory in the tournament in 1963.
This remarkable achievement not only underscored Ghana’s football prowess but also marked a turning point in the tournament’s history, solidifying its status as a prominent sporting event on the African continent.
Becoming Biennial (1968):
AFCON initially had irregular intervals, but in 1968, it became a biennial event, held every two years.
Expanded Field (1980s):
In 1980, a significant expansion occurred as the number of participating teams in the Africa Cup of Nations grew to eight. This expansion marked a pivotal moment, granting more African nations the opportunity to compete on the grand stage of AFCON, effectively showcasing the abundant football talent that the continent had to offer.
Notable Winners:
Throughout its history, AFCON has been won by various African football powerhouses, including Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
Recent Expansions:
The year 1996 witnessed a notable development as the Africa Cup of Nations expanded further, accommodating a total of 16 teams in the competition. Additionally, in 2013, AFCON underwent a schedule adjustment, shifting from odd to even years, strategically avoiding any overlaps with the FIFA World Cup, ensuring that both tournaments could be celebrated independently and garner global attention.
Host Nations:
East African leaders are celebrating the joint bid by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This marks a historic moment as it will be the first time that the premier sporting event in Africa will be jointly hosted by three nations, following the examples of Ghana/Nigeria in 2000 and Equatorial Guinea/Gabon in 2012.
The move has garnered strong support from former officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), highlighting the strength of the East Africa Pamoja Bid.
Minister of Sports in Tanzania, Damas Ndumbaro Ndumbaro, shared that the sports ministries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have worked diligently to secure this bid.
They have presented their comprehensive plans to CAF, outlining their commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2027 AFCON.
Renaming and Rescheduling:
In 2019, the tournament underwent a rescheduling, moving from even years to odd years to prevent scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup.
Then, in 2021, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially rebranded the competition as the “Total Africa Cup of Nations” (AFCON), marking a significant partnership with Total, a multinational energy company, which was reflected in the tournament’s new name.
AFCON has grown to become one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, showcasing the immense talent and passion for the sport in Africa. Notably, the CECAFA region had not hosted the Africa Cup of Nations since Ethiopia in 1976.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.