On our Tuesday edition, we brought you an article on the history of the African Cup of Nations written by one Ebrima Jeng, Commission for Oaths and Land Surveyor. It continues in this edition.

In 1963 with Ghana hosting, CAF enlarged the number of finalists to six. Ghana went on to beat Sudan 3-0 in the finals. Again six countries qualified for the final in Tunisia in 1965, including first timers Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal. Ghana successfully defended their crown.

In 1968, again CAF enlarged the finalists with eight teams now taking part divided into two groups of four. A new system by which group matches were to be played in a round robin league system came into effect with the top two teams qualifying to the semifinals. Ghana looking to make it three titles in a row, met DR Congo in the finals. The Congolese triumphed 1-0 in a closely fought final to lift their first continental championship.

The next milestone in the history of the African Nations Cup would to 25 years later in 1992 when Senegal were to host the finals for the first time. ‘Dakar 92’ featured 12 finalists for the first time. Senegal went out prematurely at the quarterfinal stages –beaten by Nigeria. Te final was contested by Ivory Coast and Ghana, two neighbours with a long running rivalry in football. After a goalless game, Ivory Coast triumphed 13-12 on post match penalties.

Read subsequent editions for continuation.