The best AFCON jerseys of all time

Few tournaments in world football celebrate identity and imagination quite like the Africa Cup of Nations. Over the years, AFCON jerseys have told stories of pride, rebellion and the essence of African football culture.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, we look back at five of the most iconic team kits to ever grace the competition.

1. Nigeria — AFCON 2019

Nigeria’s 2019 shirt had already made history a year earlier at the World Cup, but it still remained relevant in Egypt. The bright green zigzag pattern cut through the tournament like a statement of identity. It was bold, fearless, and unapologetically Nigerian.

By the time the Super Eagles claimed bronze, this AFCON kit had become a global phenomenon, over three million sold, endless queues, and a cult following that went far beyond football. Nike called it a nod to the 1994 design, but it was really a symbol of new energy in Nigerian football.

2. Cameroon — AFCON 2002

In 2002, Puma ripped up the rulebook with a sleeveless design that the Indomitable Lions wore all the way to their AFCON title. Samuel Eto’o and Patrick Mboma gave the kit life and swagger, even as FIFA banned it soon after.

Its influence went beyond football too, as tennis legend Serena Williams later wore a French Open outfit inspired by it.

3. South Africa — AFCON 1996

When South Africa hosted and won the 1996 AFCON, their gold-and-green shirt came to symbolise a nation’s rebirth. Emerging from the shadow of apartheid, it carried a message that was as political as it was sporting.

Nelson Mandela famously wore it in celebration, echoing his iconic gesture from the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Today, Bafana Bafana are best known for their yellow kits, but in the 1990s their designs carried far more flair and none captured that spirit quite like this AFCON jersey.

4. Ghana — AFCON 2015

Ghana’s 2015 AFCON kit may not have broken records, but its elegance and simplicity turned heads. The white shirt with patterned collar detail, a nod to Ghanaian Kente tradition was classy, confident, and unmistakably African.

It perfectly suited the Black Stars’ swagger that year, balancing modern design with cultural identity.

5. Zambia — AFCON 2012

Some shirts become immortal because of the moments tied to them. Zambia’s 2012 AFCON jersey, green, proud, and minimalist will forever be remembered for one of the tournament’s greatest stories.

In Libreville, near the site of the 1993 air disaster that claimed their national team, the Chipolopolo defeated Ivory Coast to lift their first continental title.