📸 The best kits spotted at the Africa Cup of Nations
CAN 2025 is almost here, kicking off with Morocco vs. Comoros on Sunday, December 21 (8 PM). As we count down to the first whistle, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the most iconic Africa Cup of Nations jerseys — a selection inspired by BBC Africa’s ranking — and look at why these designs resonated not just with fans, but also with designers and kitmakers.
Cameroon 2002
Arguably AFCON’s most talked-about kit: the sleeveless Cameroon jersey by Puma. It fused audacity with athletic logic, emphasizing freedom of movement and lightweight construction. While FIFA later pushed back on the style globally, at AFCON it became a symbol of swagger, innovation, and an era when kit design dared to break the template.
South Africa 1996
Hosts and champions, Bafana Bafana wore a home shirt that distilled national identity into fabric: green and gold, rhythmic striping, and a confident collar. Pre-digital-era patterning gave it a timeless, analog charm that still feels distinct in a world of templated kits.
Nigeria 2019
Nigeria’s 2019 look had the impossible task of following the viral 2018 drop. It held its own with bold chevrons and high-contrast geometry, balancing runway energy with performance needs like breathable mesh zones and heat-transfer crests. A modern classic that solidified the Super Eagles as kit-culture leaders.
Zambia 2012
The Chipolopolo’s 2012 strip paired deep green with copper accents — a smart nod to the country’s Copperbelt and a unifying symbol during their historic title run. Subtle detailing and clean color blocking created a sleek, made-for-television kit that aged remarkably well.
Mali 2021
Mali’s eagle front graphic delivered instant identity. The design blended contemporary sublimation techniques with a bold national emblem, while the color gradient gave it depth on broadcast. A perfect example of how modern print tech can elevate a classic motif.
Tunisia 2010
Minimalist at first glance, Tunisia’s 2010 shirt rewarded a closer look: refined lines, sharp typography, and clean contouring around the shoulders. Less was more here — a performance-forward construction that still carried a distinct Carthage spirit.
Ghana 2015
The Black Stars’ 2015 kit used a patterned collar and sleeve trim to add character without sacrificing simplicity. Crisp whites, sharp star iconography, and a balanced fit made it a versatile, instantly recognizable look from the touchline to the terraces.
Zimbabwe 2021
Bright, unapologetic yellow with textural patterning made Zimbabwe’s strip pop on camera. The design threaded cultural motifs through a modern athletic silhouette, showcasing how national palettes can be both bold and broadcast-friendly.
Angola 2010
Angola delivered striking contrast with red, black, and yellow elements and a confident central band. The kit translated national colors into a strong, symmetrical layout that looked as sharp in motion as it did in stills.
Uganda 2017
The Cranes’ 2017 jersey leaned into vertical banding with red, yellow, and black — a clean articulation of the flag rendered in a performance cut. The centered stripe gave it a unique spine on-screen, while breathable panels kept it competition-ready.
Why these designs still matter
- Identity first: Each shirt foregrounds national symbols — eagles, stars, stripes, or copper — in ways that feel authentic, not ornamental.
- Tech meets culture: From sublimated graphics to lighter fabrics and heat-bonded crests, these jerseys show how material innovation can amplify storytelling.
- Broadcast impact: High-contrast palettes and bold geometry read crisply on TV and social, critical in the era of second-screen fandom.
Which one gets your vote? And which iconic AFCON kits did we miss? Drop your picks in the comments ⬇️
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
Photo credit: GIUSEPPE CACACE – AFP or licensors
