Morocco was awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by appeals judges who overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final in January. This brings the number of times a host nation has won the AFCON title to 13.
Thirty-seven per cent of AFCON tournaments since 1957 have been won by the host nation. That means nearly two-thirds of the time, visiting teams have silenced home crowds and lifted the trophy instead. So while hosting comes with energy, support, and comfort, it doesn’t automatically translate into success. Notably, Egypt has won on its home soil three times out of the five times it has hosted the game, while Ghana has won on its home soil twice.
Earlier decades saw more frequent home wins, but the modern AFCON era has become more competitive and less predictable. Teams travel better, prepare better, and handle hostile environments with more confidence.
