The 1957 Africa Cup of Nations was the inaugural edition of continental African football championship, won by Egypt in Khartoum.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 1st Africa Cup of Nations
- Dates
- 10–16 February 1957
- Teams participating
- 3 (Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan)
- Games played
- 2
- Venue
- Municipal Stadium, Khartoum
- Tournament winner
- Egypt
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), founded in 1957, organized the first continental football championship to unify African nations in sport. South Africa was originally entered but was disqualified after refusing to field a multi-racial team, leaving only three participating nations.
The 1957 Africa Cup of Nations took place in Khartoum, Sudan, between 10 and 16 February 1957. Only two matches were played among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan at the Municipal Stadium. Egypt won the tournament, claiming the title of inaugural African football champions.
Egypt's victory established it as the first African continental football champion, setting a precedent for the tournament that would grow into one of the world's most prominent regional football competitions. South Africa's disqualification also marked an early instance of sporting exclusion due to apartheid policies.