Women AFCON Winners List: Past Champions & Records

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations started back in 1991. Super Falcons of Nigeria won the first tournament and set the pace for years to come. Over time, other countries like Ghana and Cameroon also joined the list of Women AFCON winners.

Each edition has its own story, nations that ruled and teams that are rising. AWCON past winners, year by year makes it easy to see who dominated and who surprised everyone.

This record of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions is perfect if you’re a fan who loves keeping track of Africa’s top women’s football teams. From the early years to the latest championship, this list shows how African women’s football has grown and changed over time.

Past Women AFCON Winners

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, once called the African Women’s Championship, has built a long and lively history. Here it is, laid out in order from the very start.

Back in 1991, four teams made their debut. They were Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. That was the beginning.

By 1995, Angola, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zambia had joined in. The tournament kept growing.

Late 1990s

The 1998 edition brought in DR Congo, Egypt and Morocco for the first time. Nigeria won the title that year. Nkiru Okosieme finished as the top scorer with three goals.

Come 2000, Réunion, Uganda and Zimbabwe stepped onto the stage. Nigeria lifted the trophy again. Mercy Akide scored seven goals to claim the Golden Boot.

Early 2000s

At the 2002 tournament, Ethiopia and Mali debuted. Nigeria won once more. Perpetua Nkwocha was top scorer with four goals.

The 2004 competition saw Algeria enter. Nigeria took the title again. Perpetua Nkwocha scored nine goals and was named best player.

Two years later in 2006, Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia arrived. Nigeria won yet again. Perpetua Nkwocha scored seven goals. Portia Modise was named best player.

Late 2000s

The 2008 edition introduced Congo. Equatorial Guinea won the tournament on home soil. Genoveva Añonman scored six goals. Noko Matlou was named best player.

By 2010, Tanzania had made its first appearance. Nigeria were champions again. Perpetua Nkwocha scored eleven goals. Stella Mbachu was best player.

2010s

The 2012 tournament welcomed Ivory Coast and Senegal. Equatorial Guinea won at home. Genoveva Añonman scored six goals and was also best player.

In 2014, Namibia joined the competition. Nigeria won the title. Desire Oparanozie scored five goals. Asisat Oshoala was best player. Annette Ngo Ndom was named best goalkeeper.

The 2016 edition marked Kenya’s debut. Nigeria lifted the trophy again. Asisat Oshoala scored six goals. Gabrielle Onguéné was best player.

There were no new teams in 2018. Nigeria won the tournament. Thembi Kgatlana scored five goals and was named best player.

2020s

The 2022 edition brought in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi and Togo. South Africa finally won their first title. Ghizlane Chebbak, Rasheedat Ajibade and Hildah Magaia each scored three goals. Ghizlane Chebbak was named best player. Andile Dlamini was best goalkeeper.

Most recently, in 2024, no new teams joined. Nigeria won their tenth title. Ghizlane Chebbak scored five goals. Rasheedat Ajibade was named best player. Chiamaka Nnadozie was best goalkeeper.

WAFCON Records and Statistics

Looking at the overall record from 1991 to 2024, Nigeria lead by far. They have played 79 matches, won 62, drawn 10 and lost 7. They have scored 237 goals and conceded 35, with 196 points.

South Africa sit second with 110 points from 68 matches. Cameroon follow with 86 points. Ghana have 81. Equatorial Guinea have 41. Morocco have 28. Zambia have 23. Mali have 21. Algeria have 13.

Zimbabwe and Senegal each have 11. Ivory Coast have 10. DR Congo have 9. Ethiopia have 7. Botswana have 6. Uganda and Tunisia have 5 each. Namibia, Angola, Congo and Egypt each have 3. Burkina Faso and Togo have 1 each.

Mozambique have not played a match. Réunion, Guinea, Burundi, Kenya and Sierra Leone are yet to register a point.

When it comes to reaching the semi-finals, Nigeria lead again with ten titles and thirteen top-four finishes in total. Equatorial Guinea have two titles. South Africa have one title and eleven top-four finishes. Cameroon have reached the top four ten times. Ghana have done so seven times. Morocco have two runners-up finishes. DR Congo, Ivory Coast and Zambia each have one third-place finish. Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Mali each have one fourth-place finish.

AWCON Hat-tricks

Hat-tricks have added plenty of drama over the years. The first ever was scored by Veronica Phewa of South Africa in 2002 against Zimbabwe.

Perpetua Nkwocha scored four goals in the 2004 final against Cameroon. She also scored hat-tricks in 2006 and twice in 2010, making her the only player to score hat-tricks in back-to-back editions and the leader with four overall.

Noko Matlou scored one in 2008. Amanda Dlamini scored one in 2010.

In 2012, Ines Nrehy and Genoveva Añonman both managed hat-tricks, as did Andisiwe Mgcoyi.

Asisat Oshoala scored four goals in one match in 2016 and added another hat-trick in 2018. Ghizlane Chebbak scored a hat-trick in 2024 against DR Congo.

Nigeria lead the hat-trick chart with six in total, and Cameroon have conceded the most with four.

Looking ahead, Cape Verde and Malawi are set to debut in 2026.