In 1882, the first national governing body on the continent was formed, South African Football Association (SAFA).

[5]As Africa is a highly superstitious continent many African teams depend on witch doctors for success.

[6][7][8][9][10] Activities that witch doctors have performed for teams include cutting players, placing potions on equipment, and sacrificing animals.

[16] Football in Africa witnessed a great development in the last stage, which gained international fame, after the honor and representation of the honorable Congolese team TP Mazembe in the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA international tournament hosted by United Arab Emirates when TP Mazembe reached the final match against the Italian club Inter Milan.

He states, "Penniless, homeless, and without a work permit, the young Cameroonian chose the life of an illegal immigrant rather than face potential embarrassment and shame if he went home.".

Egypt won the inaugural African Cup of Nations, defeating Ethiopia 4–0 in the final.

[27] In 1977, Pelé stated his belief that a team from the continent would be crowned World Cup champions by the end of the 20th century, which proved incorrect.

[28] After the 1970, 1974, and 1978 World Cups, which each had one African qualifier, there were two teams from the continent in 1982: Algeria and Cameroon, each of which missed out on advancing from the group stage on goal difference.

The 1986 and 1990 World Cups also featured two African nations; Morocco reached the round of 16 in 1986 after finishing first in their group.

Multiple efforts were made in the 1960s to start women's football clubs in South Africa, but they proved fleeting.

[34] More women began playing football in the 1990s, in countries like Nigeria and South Africa.

In 1998, CAF introduced an official African Women's Championship, following two unofficial versions of the tournament earlier in the 1990s; host country Nigeria won, beginning a stretch of five consecutive titles in the event.