The men's association football tournament has been held at every edition of the African Games since 1965. Women's competition was added in 2003.
The first tournament started in 1965 in Brazzaville, Congo and was won by the hosts Congo. The first women's tournament started in 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria and was won by Nigeria.
Between 1991 and 2015, age limit for men teams was under-23, same as the age limit in football competitions at the Summer Olympics but since 2019, age limit for men teams was under-20.
Numbers refer to the final placing of each team at the respective Games.
Numbers refer to the final placing of each team at the respective Games.