AFCON's most memorable shirts of the past and present

Essential to the build-up to any major international tournament is looking through the kits each country will wear.

This is especially true ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, with countries from the continent known for their vibrant designs. 

Ahead of the action kicking off on January 13, we have picked out some of the most iconic shirts worn over the years.

Cameroon (Home, 2002)

Cameroon lifted their fourth of five AFCON titles in 2002 but the kit they wore is perhaps more memorable than the campaign itself.

The Indomitable Lions surprised many when Samuel Eto'o and Co lined up for their opener against DR Congo wearing sleeveless shirts — a style more akin to basketball than football.

Nigeria (Home, 2019)

Nigeria shirts are often popular but this effort created for both the 2018 World Cup and 2019 AFCON produced new levels of mania.

Nike's bright green and black pattern strip was an instant sensation when it was released online, with three million people the replica before it was even available to buy.

Mali (Home, 2024)

Next comes a shirt that will be worn at this year's tournament and one that features a giant bird on the front — making it a sure-fire pick in this list.

Mali often celebrate their national symbol of the eagle on their shirts in some way and this year they placed it slap bang in the centre.

Angola (Home, 1996)

Angola looked smart on their AFCON debut in 1996, sporting a red shirt with a yellow and black panel across the front.

Sadly, it did not translate to success on the pitch, with the Palancas Negras finishing bottom of their group with just a single point.

South Africa (Away, 1996)

Winners of the tournament in their first appearance since the end of the apartheid era, South Africa's away shirt was hard to miss.

That did not stop legendary figure Nelson Mandela wearing the chaotic yellow, black and white strip as he watched Bafana Bafana lift the trophy — much like he had done with the Springboks a year earlier.

Ghana (Home, 2015)

Ghana have some superb kits in their back catalogue and their 2015 effort is up there with the best.

A simplistic white shirt is jazzed up with a colourful pattern on the collar and end of the sleeves, with the top becoming a must-have for collectors.

Nigeria (Home, 1992)

Another shirt that makes it in for its unique style is Nigeria's strip in 1992, which had their countries' name written in block capitals diagonally across the front.

The Super Eagles have not been afraid to make new versions of classic shirts and this is one we would love to see them pay homage to.

Tunisia (Away, 2010)

Tunisia are among the long list of stylish football shirts that feature a sash on the front.

The gold trim on the collar and sash is another nice feature of the North African nation's jersey from 2010.