Record player Song
The Transfermarkt statistics have reached another milestone. All Africa Cup of Nations tournaments since the inaugural one in 1957 are now available in our database. The player with the most caps in the continental competition is Rigobert Song, who played a total of 36 matches for Cameroon. The former defender also set another record with appearances in eight different tournaments.
Meanwhile, The Indomitable Lions also boast the top scorer in the history of the competition in former forward Samuel Eto’o. The striker scored 18 goals in 29 matches in six tournaments, topping the rankings ahead of Laurent Pokou (14 goals for Ivory Coast). Ndaye Mulamba set a record in Egypt when he scored nine goals for Zaire (now DR Congo) in 1974 – the most by a player in a tournament.
AFCON: Egypt record titleholders – Cameroon want first success since 2017
The current title holders are Algeria, who were successful in 2019 – the second time in the history of the national team. In total, the tournament victories are spread between 15 nations, including Egypt, who are the record winners with seven titles. The Pharaohs are also among the favourites at this year’s event in Cameroon thanks to Mohamed Salah and his teammates.
From Drogba to Pépé – The most expensive African players in history
Hosts Cameroon, meanwhile, are hoping for their next tournament win after their 2017 triumph in Gabon. However, no nation had managed to win the title on home soil since 2006. Cameroon enter the tournament with the unofficial streak of not having lost on home soil since July 1992. The Indomitable Lions did lose to Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in October 1998, but because the Black Stars were named hosts for the 2000 tournament, the Cameroon match was subsequently annulled.
Eto’o, Drogba & Co.
The Africa Cup of Nations all-time top scorers
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Senegal currently boast the most valuable squad on the continent, with a total value of €343 million and players such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy. Originally, the Africa Cup of Nations, which is held every two years, was scheduled to take place in 2021, but the tournament had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, this year, from January 9 to February 6, 24 nations will compete, including debutants The Gambia and the Comoros.
From €95M to €343M – The 10 most valuable nations at the 2021 AFCON
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