Sudan (left) and Ethiopia (right) have lifted the Nations Cup once each, while Egypt have a record seven titlesVibrant off the pitch but a low-scoring affair so far on it, this year's Africa Cup of Nations also offers a window to the tournament's beginnings. Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan contested the first-ever Nations Cup in 1957, and this is the first time in 52 years that the competition's three initial contenders have all been present at the same tournament. There are parallels in the history of the game in Ethiopia and Sudan, the neighbours who remain the only two teams from east Africa to have won the Nations Cup. Ethiopia were absent from Afcon for 31 years before making a comeback in 2013 and Sudan returned in 2008 after 32 years away. Ethiopia and Sudan are far from Nations Cup contenders but their fans have hopes they can impress despite the same political challenges, with an ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and October's military coup in Sudan.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 15, 2022 09:00 UTC