What Is 2006 African Cup of Nations

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 African Cup of Nations was the 25th edition of the tournament, held in Egypt from January 20 to February 10, 2006, with Egypt defeating Ivory Coast in the final to win their fifth title.

Key Facts

The 2006 African Cup of Nations took place from January 20 to February 10, 2006
Egypt hosted the tournament and won their fifth title by defeating Ivory Coast in the final
16 teams participated in the competition, divided into four groups of four
Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast scored 5 goals, winning the Golden Boot
The final match was held at Cairo International Stadium with a 75,000 capacity

Overview

The 2006 African Cup of Nations was the 25th edition of Africa's premier international football tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Hosted by Egypt, the competition featured 16 national teams competing across four cities: Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, and Ismailia.

The tournament ran from January 20 to February 10, 2006, culminating in a dramatic final where Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw. This victory marked Egypt's fifth title in the tournament's history, solidifying their status as one of Africa's football powerhouses.

Host nation: Egypt hosted the tournament for the third time, previously hosting in 1957 and 1986, showcasing improved stadium infrastructure and security measures.
Participating teams: A total of 16 teams qualified, including debutants Angola, who advanced from a tough group featuring Nigeria and Morocco.
Final result: Egypt won the final 4–2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary saving one penalty to secure victory.
Tournament format: Teams were divided into four groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Top scorer: Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast won the Golden Boot with 5 goals, despite his team finishing as runners-up.

How It Works

The 2006 African Cup of Nations followed a structured tournament format combining group stages with knockout rounds, designed to determine the best national team in Africa. Matches were played across multiple venues, with strict scheduling and officiating protocols enforced by CAF.

Group Stage: The 16 teams were split into four groups (A–D), playing a round-robin format where each team faced the others in their group. The top two teams from each group advanced.
Kickoff Dates: The tournament began on January 20, 2006, with the opening match between Egypt and Libya at Cairo International Stadium, ending in a 3–0 victory for Egypt.
Knockout Rules: From the quarterfinals onward, matches used extra time and penalty shootouts to decide winners if tied after 90 minutes, as seen in the final.
Refereeing: CAF appointed 12 referee teams from across Africa, ensuring neutral officiating; video technology was not used, relying on on-field decisions.
Player Eligibility: Only players registered with CAF-affiliated national associations could participate, with squads limited to 23 players per nation.
Stadiums Used: Matches were held in four cities: Cairo (Cairo International Stadium), Alexandria (Harras El-Hodoud Stadium), Port Said (Port Said Stadium), and Ismailia (Ismailia Stadium).

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 African Cup of Nations with the two preceding tournaments in 2002 and 2004:

Year	Host Country	Champion	Runner-up	Top Scorer (Goals)
2006	Egypt	Egypt	Ivory Coast	Didier Drogba (5)
2004	Tunisia	Tunisia	Morocco	Jacques Anouma (4)
2002	Malawi & Nigeria	Cameroon	Senegal	Patrick Mboma, Salomon Olembé (3 each)
2000	Ghana & Nigeria	Cameroon	Nigeria	Samuel Eto’o (4)
1998	Burkina Faso	South Africa	Egypt	Kalusha Bwalya (5)

This comparison highlights Egypt’s dominance in 2006, reclaiming the title after a 14-year gap since their last win in 1998. The 2006 edition also saw higher attendance and broader television coverage than previous years, reflecting growing interest in African football.

Why It Matters

The 2006 African Cup of Nations was a pivotal moment for African football, boosting Egypt's international profile and setting the stage for future continental tournaments. It demonstrated the continent's ability to host high-level competitions with increasing professionalism and fan engagement.

Legacy for Egypt: Winning on home soil strengthened national pride and inspired a new generation of Egyptian footballers.
Boost for CAF: The tournament's success enhanced CAF's reputation and attracted greater sponsorship and broadcasting interest.
Player exposure: Performances by stars like Drogba elevated their status, leading to transfers to top European clubs.
Infrastructure development: Host cities upgraded stadiums and transportation, leaving a lasting impact on local communities.
Security model: Egypt's effective security coordination became a benchmark for future host nations managing large-scale events.
Unification through sport: The tournament fostered regional unity, with fans from across Africa gathering peacefully to celebrate the game.

The 2006 African Cup of Nations remains a landmark event in African sports history, remembered for its competitive balance, dramatic finale, and contribution to the growth of football across the continent.