The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than a football tournament, it’s a celebration of culture, style, and national identity. Few competitions can match its mix of passion on the pitch and flair in the stands, and the kits worn here are just as memorable as the football itself.
From Nigeria’s bold greens to Cameroon’s daring sleeveless design, AFCON has given us some of the most iconic retro football shirts in history. Here are the top retro AFCON kits of all time.
1. Nigeria 1996 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Nigeria’s “Dream Team” generation won Olympic gold that year and carried the same fearless energy into AFCON.
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Design: Bright green with bold white trim and diagonal detailing, a shirt that screamed confidence.
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Legacy: Kicked off Nigeria’s reputation for producing some of the most stylish and daring kits in world football.
👉 Shop Nigeria Retro Kits
2. Cameroon 2002 Sleeveless Kit
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Why iconic: Worn during Cameroon’s AFCON triumph in Mali, before FIFA controversially banned it at the World Cup.
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Design: Green sleeveless Puma kit with yellow accents unlike anything seen before.
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Legacy: A mix of flair and rebellion, this kit remains one of the most collectible and talked-about designs ever.
👉 Shop Cameroon Sleeveless Retro Kit
3. Egypt 2008 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Egypt dominated AFCON in the 2000s, with Aboutrika and co. lifting their sixth title in 2008.
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Design: Bold red Puma design with contrasting white sleeves.
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Legacy: The kit of Egypt’s golden era, cementing them as kings of African football.
4. South Africa 1996 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Worn when South Africa, newly re-admitted post-apartheid, won their first AFCON as hosts.
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Design: Green, yellow, and white striped design that radiated national pride.
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Legacy: A shirt tied to Mandela’s South Africa, symbolizing unity and triumph.
5. Zambia 2012 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Zambia’s miracle AFCON win in Gabon, honoring the memory of the 1993 plane crash victims.
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Design: Bright green Kappa kit with orange trim.
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Legacy: Immortalized by their emotional penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast.
6. Ivory Coast 2006 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Led by Didier Drogba, this kit symbolized Ivory Coast’s golden generation.
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Design: Bright orange Puma design with bold side panelling.
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Legacy: A striking look that mirrored their attacking style and star power.
7. Ghana 1982 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Ghana’s fourth AFCON title, making them the most successful team in Africa at the time.
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Design: Classic white shirt featuring the single black star.
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Legacy: A kit that perfectly embodied their nickname, the “Black Stars.”
8. Morocco 1998 Away Kit
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Why iconic: Worn at the 1998 World Cup and during AFCON campaigns of the late 90s, a golden era for Moroccan football.
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Design: Sleek white Adidas template with bold red trim and green accents, perfectly reflecting the national flag.
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Legacy: A stylish shirt that marked Morocco’s return to the world stage and remains one of their most celebrated retro designs.
👉 Shop Morocco 1998 Retro Kit
9. Algeria 1990 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Algeria’s only AFCON triumph until 2019, lifted on home soil.
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Design: Clean white Adidas template with subtle green touches.
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Legacy: Associated with Rabah Madjer and a golden generation of Algerian football.
10. Tunisia 2004 Home Kit
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Why iconic: Tunisia’s only AFCON title, won in front of their home fans.
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Design: White Kappa kit with bold red trim and national crest.
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Legacy: A shirt remembered for passion, unity, and national pride.
The African Cup of Nations has always been a stage for drama, triumph, and style. From Nigeria’s fearless green kits to Cameroon’s rule-breaking sleeveless shirt, these retro jerseys go beyond sport, they’re cultural artefacts, embodying the pride and identity of entire nations.
💬 Which AFCON retro kit would you most want in your collection?
