Pharaoh of Egypt and unquenchable thirst for AFCON title

Posted : 02 January 2024

Arguably, the Pharaohs of Egypt are the most accomplished and decorated team in the history of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), having won the prestigious competition a record seven times. As they prepare for the upcoming AFCON, they are not considered outsiders, given the team's rich pedigree.

Egypt has been one of the most consistent countries in terms of AFCON appearances, participating in 26 out of 34 editions since the establishment of this football showcase – the highest number of appearances in African history.

Moreover, Egypt has hosted AFCON the most times, a record of five occasions, and has secured three AFCON titles as the host nation.

Interestingly, the Pharaohs claimed victory in the inaugural 1957 edition, hosted by the now-defunct Sudan, with three invitee countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, and host Sudan. They successfully defended their crown two years later when they hosted the tournament in 1959.

Following these back-to-back triumphs, Egypt faced a 27-year AFCON trophy drought before clinching their third title on home soil by defeating Cameroon 5-4 on penalties.

During the 27-year trophy drought, Egypt finished as runners-up in 1962 and secured bronze medals in 1963, 1970, and 1974. They also finished fourth twice in 1980 and 1984 but failed to qualify in 1972.

Egypt has frequently reached the semi-finals of AFCON, consistently achieving runners-up or third-place finishes. After the golden era of 1988, Egypt experienced a decline until 1996 when they were eliminated in the group stage and quarter-finals.

The team made a strong comeback in 1998, securing their fourth trophy. However, the year 2000 witnessed the most successful period in Egyptian AFCON history, winning the tournament back-to-back from 2006 to 2010, setting an unassailable African record of seven titles.

Despite missing three AFCON editions from 2012 to 2015, Egypt returned in 2017, reaching the final and finishing as runners-up to Cameroon in a 1–2 loss. In 2021, Egypt once again reached the final but lost on penalties to Senegal.

The 2019 edition, hosted by Egypt, saw a dismal performance as they lost to South Africa 0–1 in the round of sixteen, despite winning all three group stage matches.

After finishing as runners-up in 2021 and losing on penalties to Senegal, Egypt is eager to secure the trophy in 2024. With a straightforward group that includes Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, and with Mo Salah, who has been directly involved in 18 goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season, Egypt aims for success.

In the qualification for AFCON 2024, Egypt finished at the top of Group D, winning five matches and losing one, accumulating 15 points. Their attack scored 10 goals, and their defense conceded only three.

Placed in Group B for AFCON 2024, Egypt will face Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde, participating in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations for the 26th time.

Key player Omar Marmoush, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess, is expected to shine. The Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, appointed in 2022, aims to lead Egypt to its eighth continental title, emphasizing intense pressure, direct attacking play, and defensive solidity.

Egypt's AFCON Record:

1957: Champion
1959: Champion
1962: Runner-up
1963: Bronze Medal
1970: Bronze Medal
1972: Did not qualify
1974: Bronze Medal
1980: Fourth Place
1984: Fourth Place
1986: Champion
1988: Group Stage
1990: Group Stage
1992: Group Stage
1994: Quarter-finals
1996: Quarter-finals
1998: Champion
2000: Quarter-finals
2002: Quarter-finals
2004: Group Stage
2006: Champion
2008: Champion
2010: Champion
2012: Did not qualify
2013: Did not qualify
2015: Did not qualify
2017: Runner-up
2019: Round of 16
2021: Runner-up
Rui Vitoria has named 27 players for AFCON 2024, with Mohamed Salah among the notable selections. Egypt aims to bring home the trophy with their blend of experienced and talented players.

Pharaoh of Egypt and unquenchable thirst for AFCON title

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