Ranking every AFCON mascot ever

The mascots of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have always done more than just entertain. They reflect the culture, values and stories of the host nations, becoming part of tournament lore in their own right.

In the lead-up to AFCON 2025, it’s worth pausing to appreciate how these characters have helped define celebrations, draw in fans and anchor the identity of each edition.

The concept of AFCON mascots officially took off in 1992, when hosts Senegal gave us the lion ‘Diambar'. Before then, the tournament’s identity leaned heavily on crests and emblems, but CAF saw the value in giving the competition a face that fans, young and old could rally around. Since then, each edition has produced a new character, often rooted in local wildlife, folklore, or national symbols.

Across decades, these mascots have evolved from simple emblems to full-blown ambassadors. Their design, name and reveal moments say as much about national pride and strategy as the matches themselves. What follows are the most memorable mascots in AFCON history, each chosen with purpose, dressed in colours of heritage, and remembered for the way they brought the tournament to life.

Here are the top five mascots in the history of the AFCON. 

1. Samba – AFCON 2017 (Gabon)

The official mascot for the 2017 edition in Gabon was a black panther named Samba. Donning the national colours of yellow and blue, the panther’s claws were out and thumbs raised in welcome. The name “Samba” is derived from the Bantu greeting “Mbolo Samba”, meaning “hello, welcome”, embodying Gabon’s hospitality. 

The design captured strength, speed and playfulness fitting for the forests of Gabon and the Panther’s national symbolism. As a figure, Samba stood for bold celebration in a tournament where the host nation wanted to showcase both football and fun.

2. Chuku Chuku – AFCON 2015 (Equatorial Guinea)

In 2015, the edition in Equatorial Guinea presented Chuku Chuku, a vivid porcupine styled in the host colours of blue, white, red and green. Porcupines are common in the forest regions of the country, and the character tapped into local wildlife storytelling. 

Chuku Chuku’s posture, one foot on the ball, hands raised gave the mascot a dynamic appetite for the tournament. It was a mascot that spoke of nature, youth and national narrative, rather than just sport. The way Chuku Chuku was marketed added warmth to a tournament playing out in less-seen corners of African football.

3. Tut (Tutankhamun) – AFCON 2019 (Egypt)

The 2019 AFCON mascot, simply named “Tut”, is a nod to the legendary Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Unveiled ahead of the tournament in Egypt, the child-like mascot symbolised ancient heritage meeting modern football. 

Dressed in Egypt’s reds and golds with an Africa-shaped emblem on his shirt, Tut bridged pharaonic symbolism and continental celebration. He became an ambassador for the event’s scale and ambition, 24 nations, new records, a global stage.

4. Akwaba – AFCON 2023 (Ivory Coast)

For the 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire, the mascot was christened Akwaba, derived from the local Akan word meaning “welcome”. The figure took the form of an elephant, a potent national symbol of the host country, wearing orange, green and white the Ivorian tricolour. 

Akwaba’s design emphasised friendliness and unity, capturing the Ivorian value of hospitality and the tournament’s role as a communal fest. The way the local community embraced ‘Akwaba’ made it more than just a mascot, it became a cultural symbol for the month-long celebration.

5. Gaguie – AFCON 2012 (Gabon & Equatorial Guinea)

When Gabon and Equatorial Guinea jointly hosted in 2012, the official mascots included Gaguie, a gorilla dressed in the host nations’ colours. The choice of a gorilla spoke to the region’s wildlife heritage and the powerful presence the organisers wanted to project. 

Gaguie travelled, featured in fan zones and became a recurring visual in tournament promotions. His sturdy build, expressive face and bright uniform made him one of the most recognisable in AFCON history.