As the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in football approaches, set to be hosted by Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, with the participation of 24 teams, the host nation aspires to clinch the title and break the streak of no triumph for host countries spanning 18 years, starting from the 2008 edition up to the current one.
Egypt secured the title in 2006, the last time the host nation won the Africa Cup of Nations on their own soil.
In the past 18 years, Egypt claimed the title twice, once on the home grounds of Ghana and another on the soil of Angola in the 2008 and 2010 editions, respectively.
Zambia emerged victorious in Gabon in 2012, Nigeria in South Africa in 2013, Ivory Coast in Guinea in 2015, Cameroon in Gabon in 2017, Algeria in Egypt in 2019, and Senegal in Cameroon in 2021.
Throughout the 33 editions of the African championship, host nations triumphed in only 11 editions.
Egypt, with three victories in 1959, 1986, and 2006, dominated this tally, followed by Ghana with two in 1963 and 1978.
Other single victories include Ethiopia in 1962, Sudan in 1970, Nigeria in 1980, Algeria in 1990, South Africa in 1996, Tunisia in 2004, Ivory Coast in 1992 and 2015.
Egypt’s national team holds the highest number of continental titles with seven, followed by Cameroon with five, Ghana with four, Nigeria with three, and two each for Ivory Coast, Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Zambia, Tunisia, Sudan, Senegal, Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, and Congo each claimed one title.
The current host, Ivory Coast, has won the title only twice, in 1992 and 2015, during its participation in the tournament.
