Top 10 Countries With The Most AFCON Semifinal Appearances

The 2025 AFCON in Morocco has reached its fever pitch, narrowing a field of continental giants down to a final quartet that represents the very pinnacle of African footballing heritage. As the floodlights of Rabat and Tangier prepare for the semi-final stage, the historical record books are being rewritten in real-time. This tournament has always been more than just a trophy; it is a marathon of endurance where the same elite names often find themselves in the final four, battling the weight of expectation and the heat of the moment. Reaching an AFCON semi-final is the ultimate litmus test of a nation’s consistency, and this year’s competition has consolidated the dominance of the old guard while rewarding the ambition of the hosts. FootballBias looks at the Top 10 Countries With The Most AFCON Semifinal Appearances.

10. Zambia

The journey into the elite begins with Zambia, a nation whose footballing soul is forever linked to the miracle of 2012. With six semi-final appearances to their name, Chipolopolo has often punched above its weight, blending technical grace with an unbreakable spirit. Though they were unable to replicate their deep runs in the current Moroccan edition, exiting during the group stages, their pedigree remains undisputed as one of the few nations to have truly disrupted the traditional power balance of the continent.

9. DR Congo

Sharing that tally of appearances is the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Leopards are two-time champions who have long been the “sleeping giants” of the tournament. Their history is one of immense physical power and flair, reaching the semi-finals as recently as 2023. While their 2025 campaign ended in the Round of 16 at the hands of Algeria, their presence in the all-time top ten reflects a storied legacy that dates back to the height of their dominance in the late sixties and early seventies.

8. Morocco

The host nation, Morocco, has officially joined the upper tier of this list. By defeating Cameroon in a clinical 2-0 quarter-final display in Rabat, the Atlas Lions secured their sixth appearance in the final four, a milestone that feels particularly poignant on home soil. Historically, Morocco has often struggled to translate their world-class talent into AFCON silverware, with their lone title coming back in 1976. However, under the current lights of 2025, they look like a team possessed, driven by the chance to end a half-century drought in front of their own supporters.

7. Tunisia

Tunisia follows with seven semi-final appearances, characterized by a pragmatic and disciplined style of play that has made them a constant fixture in the latter stages of the competition. The Carthage Eagles are masters of tournament management, often grinding their way through difficult groups. While they lacked the clinical edge to reach the final four this year, falling in the Round of 16, their 2004 triumph and consistent deep runs over the last two decades solidify their status as North African heavyweights.

6. Algeria

Also sitting on seven appearances is Algeria, a team that defines the term “mercurial.” From the brilliance of the 1990 squad to the tactical masterclass of 2019, the Desert Warriors are a force of nature when they find their rhythm. In the 2025 edition, they showed flashes of that old brilliance before falling to Nigeria in a high-octane 2-0 quarter-final defeat. Despite the exit, their seven semi-final berths underscore a pedigree of producing some of the most gifted individuals to ever grace the African stage.

5. Senegal

Climbing into the upper echelons, Senegal has now reached eight semi-final appearances following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the current tournament. The Teranga Lions are the modern standard-bearers for West African football, combining European tactical discipline with raw athletic power. As the 2021 champions, they have carried that momentum into 2025, setting up a blockbuster semi-final clash against Egypt. For Senegal, the goal is clear: to prove that their recent dominance is not a fleeting era, but a permanent shift in the continental hierarchy.

4. Cameroon

Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions, occupy the fourth spot with ten semi-final appearances. Their history is one of pure intimidation and a “never say die” attitude that has earned them five titles. While their journey in the 2025 tournament was halted by the Moroccan hosts in a 2-0 quarter-final loss, no team relishes a knockout match against Cameroon. Their pedigree is built on decades of physical dominance and a psychological edge that has seen them win more titles than almost anyone else on this list.

3. Ivory Coast

In third place is Ivory Coast, with eleven appearances. The Elephants entered the 2025 tournament as defending champions, but their reign was ended in a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final by Egypt. Historically, Ivory Coast has been a dominant force, often boasting the best squad on paper and securing emotional titles in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Even in defeat this year, they remain a symbol of the immense talent pool that West Africa provides to the global game.

2. Ghana

Ghana stands alone in second with fourteen semi-final appearances, a staggering number that reflects their mid-20th-century dominance and a resurgence in the early 2010s. The Black Stars have four titles to their name, though their long wait for a fifth continues to be the central narrative of their footballing identity. Despite not qualifying for this current edition, their historical consistency ensures they remain one of the most respected and feared names in the history of the competition.

1. Nigeria and Egypt

Finally, at the very summit, two nations share the record with seventeen semi-final appearances each: Nigeria and Egypt. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, have reached this stage more consistently than perhaps any other team in the modern era, using a 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria to prove their resilience yet again. Their current squad looks ready to add a fourth star to their jersey. Alongside them stands Egypt, the Pharaohs, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with seven titles. Egypt’s ability to navigate the knockout rounds is legendary, a trait they displayed once more by eliminating the defending champions 3-2 to book their seventeenth semi-final and a date with Senegal.

As these giants prepare for the 2025 semi-finals—Morocco against Nigeria and Senegal against Egypt—the weight of this history will be felt on every blade of grass. Whether it is the hosts looking to rewrite their destiny or the traditional titans extending their records, the final chapters of this year’s story are being written by the most prestigious teams the continent has ever known. The stage is set for a conclusion that will define the next chapter of African footballing history.