AFCON 2023 Best Kits in Africa Cup of Nations History: As football tournaments approach, fans’ enthusiasm extends beyond the starting XI to the unveiling of their team’s jerseys. The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), with its rich history spanning 30 years, has continued to provide fans with memorable and stylish jerseys, some of which have become sought-after commodities. The resurgence of retro kits in fashion has added another layer of nostalgia to these football uniforms.
Ahead of the CAN 2023 kickoff in Ivory Coast on January 13, BBC Sport Africa has carefully prepared a list of interesting kits. This collection, created with ideas from Cult Kits co-founder Josh Warwick, reflects the intersection of football and fashion. Retro kits, in particular, have enjoyed a renaissance, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and becoming an integral part of the tournament’s attraction.
With each jersey having its own story and design, the Afcon 2023 promises to deliver not only an exciting game of football, but also a visual treat for fans eager to see their teams wearing these iconic and culturally significant jerseys.
AFCON 2023 Best Kits in Africa Cup of Nations History
South Africa 1996 (home)
South Africa made their Afcon debut as hosts in 1996, after being excluded during the apartheid regime, wearing a home kit that Warwick calls “a huge mess”.
The country’s president at the time, Nelson Mandela, wore this jersey when he watched Bafana Bafana win the trophy – just as he wore the Springboks jersey during the Rugby World Cup final.
“These days South Africa tend to wear yellow, but in the 1990s their shirts were more fun, this is a good example,” adds Warwick.
Cameroon 2002 (home)
Where to start but a jersey that has been banned by FIFA, the world’s governing body? In 2002, Cameroon and Puma produced a sleeveless jersey which was launched during the CAN in Mali.
However, it caught the attention of tennis star Serena Williams, who wore an outfit inspired by the shirt at the French Open that year.
Two years later, Cameroon did it again by releasing a jersey and shorts stitched together to form a single item of clothing, for the CAN in Tunisia.
Warwick described the act as “disrespectful of decency” and Djemba-Djemba was not a fan either.
Nigeria 2019 (home)
Known for their bold colors and designs, Nigerian accessories often fly off the shelves when they are released.
Their 2018 World Cup design caused long queues outside stores and nearly broke the internet, with three million people pre-ordering the copy.
“If you know anything about football kits, you will know how popular the Nigeria 2018 kit was,” Warwick said.
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