What Is 1959 African Cup of Nations

Overview

The 1959 African Cup of Nations marked the second edition of Africa’s premier football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It was hosted by Egypt and featured a reduced number of teams compared to the inaugural 1957 tournament, reflecting the early developmental stage of continental football organization.

Unlike modern editions with expanded formats and global viewership, this iteration was modest in scale, with only three nations participating. Despite its limited size, the 1959 tournament laid important groundwork for future competitions, reinforcing CAF’s role in unifying African nations through sport.

• Host Nation: Egypt hosted the tournament in Cairo, marking the first time the event returned to the same country as the previous edition.
• Participating Teams: Only three nations competed—Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia—down from four in 1957 due to political withdrawals.
• Tournament Format: A round-robin league format was used, with each team playing two matches; the top team was crowned champion.
• Final Match: Egypt defeated Sudan 2–1 on May 26, 1959, at Prince Farouk Stadium to claim their second consecutive title.
• Top Scorer: Egyptian forward Mohamed Diab El-Dhahabi led the scoring charts with 3 goals across the two matches he played.

How the Tournament Was Structured

The 1959 African Cup of Nations followed a simple structure due to the small number of participating teams. With only three nations involved, the competition was designed as a mini-league, where each team played the others once, and the team with the most points at the end was declared champion.

• Round-Robin Format: Each team played two matches, and standings were determined by points; a win earned two points, a draw one.
• Venue: All games were held at Prince Farouk Stadium in Cairo, which had a capacity of approximately 25,000 spectators.
• Match Schedule: The tournament spanned 11 days, with matches played on May 16, 19, 22, and 26, 1959.
• Political Context: Morocco and Tunisia withdrew due to political tensions with Egypt over recognition of Israel, reducing the field to three teams.
• Refereeing: All referees were Egyptian, reflecting the limited international coordination in early CAF tournaments.
• Attendance: Average attendance was low by modern standards, with around 5,000–10,000 fans per match, mostly local supporters.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1959 African Cup of Nations to later editions highlights the evolution of the tournament in scale and structure.

The contrast between the 1959 and 2023 tournaments underscores the massive growth of African football. From a regional event with symbolic importance, the Cup has evolved into a globally watched competition with commercial sponsorships, broadcast deals, and FIFA World Cup qualifying implications. The 1959 edition, though small, set a precedent for unity and competition that continues today.

Why It Matters

The 1959 African Cup of Nations may have been small in scale, but its symbolic and historical significance is substantial. It demonstrated the resilience of African football in the face of political challenges and set a foundation for future continental unity through sport.

• Historical Precedent: Egypt became the first nation to win the African Cup twice, establishing early dominance in the competition.
• CAF Development: The tournament reinforced CAF’s role as a unifying body despite political tensions among member nations.
• Regional Identity: The event fostered a sense of Pan-Africanism through shared cultural and sporting experiences.
• Legacy of Format: The round-robin model used in 1959 influenced early tournament designs before knockout stages were introduced.
• Player Recognition: Mohamed Diab El-Dhahabi’s performance elevated his status as one of Africa’s first football stars.
• Media Coverage: Though limited, local press coverage helped popularize football across North Africa in the post-colonial era.

Today, the African Cup of Nations is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international football. The 1959 edition, though modest, was a crucial step in that journey, proving that even with limited resources, the spirit of competition and unity could thrive.