As preparations and anticipation build for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, football fans are turning their attention to the rich history of Arab teams in this prestigious continental tournament. Arab football boasts a golden legacy of 12 titles, reflecting a strong presence and enduring influence across the decades in African football, where Arab teams have consistently proven to be formidable forces and a constant factor in African competition.
Egypt: Absolute Historical Leadership
Egypt reigns supreme in African and Arab football, with the Pharaohs holding the record for the most titles won, boasting seven. This Egyptian achievement extends beyond mere numbers, encompassing an unprecedented footballing feat in the first decade of the new millennium. The golden generation, led by coach Hassan Shehata, secured the title three consecutive times in 2006, 2008, and 2010. This era cemented the Egyptian style of play, characterized by a blend of technical skill and tactical discipline, making the Egyptian national team a historical force to be reckoned with for the continent's top teams.
Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco: North African Achievements
In second place among Arab nations is the Algerian national team, with two titles that tell two different stories of glory. The first title was achieved in 1990 when Algeria hosted the tournament, armed with the generation of Rabah Madjer, while the second title came in 2019 from the heart of Cairo, when the "Desert Warriors" led by Djamel Belmadi and Riyad Mahrez delivered a heroic performance that brought them back to the continental forefront.
Tunisia, on the other hand, etched its name in the annals of champions once, in 2004, when it hosted the tournament. Under the guidance of coach Roger Lemerre, the "Eagles of Carthage" capitalized on home advantage to achieve a long-awaited dream. Morocco, meanwhile, boasts a single title, won in 1976 in Ethiopia under a points system, thanks to the generation of Ahmed Faras. The "Atlas Lions" enter the 2025 edition with high hopes of breaking their long drought on the podium, benefiting from hosting the tournament.
Sudan: Pioneering Foundation and Crowning
It is impossible to discuss the history of Arabs in Africa without mentioning Sudan, one of the founding members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Sudan also holds the distinction of being the first Arab nation to win the African Cup of Nations, a title achieved in 1970 when they hosted the tournament in Khartoum, paving the way for other Arab teams to achieve continental glory.
Strategic importance and aspirations for 2025
This Arab tally (12 titles) is not merely a number; it reflects the development of sports infrastructure and professionalism in Arab countries, and its impact on raising the level of competitiveness on the continent. With the 2025 edition approaching, the most important question arises: Will the Arab teams succeed in adding to this record and keeping the trophy in Arab hands, especially given the recent football boom in the region, most notably Morocco's achievement in the 2022 World Cup?
Record of Arab champions in the Africa Cup of Nations:
- Egypt: 7 titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010).
- Algeria: Two titles (1990, 2019).
- Tunisia: One title (2004).
- Morocco: One title (1976).
- Sudan: One title (1970).
