The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has expanded its reach across the continent in recent years, yet some of African football's most storied nations remain locked out of the tournament. As qualifying for the 2027 edition — to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — gets under way later this month, five former participants are desperate to end prolonged absences from the continent's greatest stage.

Congo — last seen in 2015

Congo carry the most distinguished pedigree on this list. The Red Devils were crowned African champions in 1972 and were regular contenders in that era, appearing at the finals in 1968, 1972, 1974, and 1978, before later returning in 1992 and 2000.

A 15-year absence ended when Claude Le Roy guided them to Equatorial Guinea 2015, where they impressed — topping a group ahead of Gabon and Burkina Faso before falling 4-2 to DR Congo in a thrilling quarter-final. That was their seventh appearance at the tournament, and they have not been back since, missing five consecutive editions from 2017 to 2025.

Niger — chasing a third qualification

Niger's finest moments came in the early part of the previous decade. The Mena made their debut at Gabon and Equatorial Guinea 2012 before returning for South Africa 2013 — those remain their only two appearances at the continental finals.

They came agonisingly close to a third qualification for Morocco 2025, crushing Sudan 4-0 and defeating Ghana 2-1 in Accra on the final matchday. Yet Sudan's draw with Angola left Niger just one point short, extending their run of missed tournaments to six straight editions.

Libya — North Africa's long-absent force

Libya have reached three AFCON finals — in 1982, 2006, and 2012 — but their most celebrated campaign came as hosts in 1982, when the Mediterranean Knights went all the way to the final before losing to Ghana on penalties.

Their 2012 appearance remains their last, making it seven successive missed editions. The absence carries added weight given the depth of football tradition in North Africa. Their hopes for Morocco 2025 ended on the final matchday, when a goalless draw at home to Benin left them fourth in a group won by Nigeria.

Rwanda — so close, yet so far

Amavubi have appeared at the AFCON only once, at Tunisia 2004, where they beat DR Congo and drew with Guinea before narrowly missing the knockout stages. Over two decades passed before they came within a whisker of a return.

Rwanda stunned Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo on the final day of Morocco 2025 qualifying to finish on eight points — level with Benin. But Benin claimed the second qualification place on head-to-head record, extending Rwanda's wait for a second finals appearance beyond 20 years.

Liberia — carrying Weah's legacy

Liberia's two AFCON appearances coincided with the peak years of George Weah, African football's greatest individual talent of his generation. The Lone Stars debuted in South Africa 1996, defeating Gabon 2-1, then returned for Mali 2002, where Weah was among the scorers as they drew with hosts Mali and Algeria before a narrow defeat to Nigeria ended their run.

There has been no third appearance since. In the Morocco 2025 qualifiers, Liberia finished behind Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Togo in their group, prolonging an absence that has now stretched past two decades.