Nine Africa Cup of Nations records you need to know

Most titles

Egypt have won the most titles with seven of which they won three consecutive titles between 2006 and 2010. However, the Pharaohs have not lifted the cup since then.

In second place are Cameroon, who have scooped five trophies (1972, 1984, 2000, 2002, and 2017).

Most successful coaches

The most successful mentors in AFCON history are of proudly African origin, namely Ghana's Charles Gyamfi and Egypt's Hassan Shehata, who have guided their countries to three titles each.

Gyamfi, who passed away in 2015, lifted the trophy in 1963, 1965 and 1982. Despite boasting some of Africa's best over the years, the Black Stars' trophy drought extends to 42 years. 

Meanwhile, the Pharaohs' Hassan Shehata oversaw the 2006, 2008 and 2010 triumphs and is the only mentor to win it three consecutive times.

No debutant countries in AFCON 2023

For the first time since its inception, the 2023 tournament will be the first edition in which there are no countries playing in their first finals. In 1972, there were the most debutant nations competing (4).

All-time highest goalscorer

The all-time highest goalscorer is the legendary Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o, arguably the greatest frontman to ever compete at the finals. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan star scored 18 goals across six tournaments.

Eto'o will be watching on in Ivory Coast as the Cameroon Football Association boss.

READ MORE: A brief history of the Africa Cup of Nations

Most goals in one tournament

The player to score the most goals in a single tournament is Pierre Ndaye Mulamba from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who netted nine times to catapult Congo to top honours in 1974.

Longest unbeaten run

Egypt once again take the honours, remaining unbeaten for 21 matches between 2008 and 2010.

Most tournament appearances

Two legends of their respective countries, Ahmed Hassan (Egypt) and Rigobert Song (Cameroon), have made the most tournament appearances at the finals. 

Both players featured in eight tournaments from 1996 to 2010. Unlike Hassan, Song will be involved in this year's tournament as head coach of the Indomitable Lions.

Double honours

Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt is the only man to win the competition both as a player and coach. El-Gohary won in 1959 as a player and then in 1998 as a coach.

Most losses in finals

The long-suffering Ghanaian supporters have seen their side lose in a final five times in nine attempts. Had they won those five, they would be the most successful nation in AFCON history.

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