These 3 national teams that have won both the men's and women's AFCON

Only three national teams have had the honor of lifting both the Africa Cup of Nations trophies—men’s and women’s—throughout their history. These are South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

South Africa

The Bafana Bafana clinched their only men’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996, in a tournament they hosted on home soil. They topped their group by defeating Cameroon (3-0) and Angola (1-0), despite a setback against Egypt (0-1).

They then overcame Algeria (2-1) in the quarter-finals, dismantled Ghana (3-0) in the semis, and finally triumphed over Tunisia in front of 80,000 spectators—including South African President Nelson Mandela—thanks to a rapid-fire brace from Mark Williams in the 73rd and 75th minutes.

Twenty-six years later, the women’s team made history by lifting the 2022 Women’s AFCON. The Bayana Bayana defeated Morocco (2-1) in the final, after having lost five previous finals.

Nigeria

The Super Eagles have captured the men’s AFCON trophy three times: first in 1980 at home by beating Algeria in the final (3-0), then in 1994 in Tunisia after a final win over Zambia (2-1), and finally in 2013 in South Africa by edging Burkina Faso (1-0).

Nigeria is also the team with the most final losses in the competition’s history—five times: in 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, and 2023.

On the women’s side, the Super Falcons are the undisputed queens of the continent, with 10 titles claimed in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024. Their campaign in the 2026 edition was the worst in their history, as they failed to reach the last four for the first time ever and also missed out on qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon

The Indomitable Lionesses made history by winning their first Women’s AFCON title against Malawi (3-0) last Sunday in Rabat, Morocco. Cameroon became just the fourth nation to lift the trophy, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa.

As for the Indomitable Lions, they have already claimed four men’s AFCON crowns: in 1984 in Ivory Coast, in 1988 in Morocco, in 2000 in a co-hosted tournament with Nigeria and Ghana, and in 2002 in Senegal.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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