The Africa Cup of Nations has delivered some truly unforgettable finals moments of raw emotion, underdog triumphs, and history written against the odds. Here are five that live long in the memory.
Ethiopia 4–2 Egypt (1962)
The highest scoring AFCON final ever saw hosts Ethiopia claim their one and only title in extraordinary fashion. Twice they clawed back against defending champions Egypt, with Mengistu Worku grabbing a dramatic 84th minute equaliser. He wasn’t done there, in extra time, with just two minutes left, he slammed home the fourth to send a packed Addis Ababa crowd into delirium.
Congo 3–2 Mali (1972)
In the tournament’s first Central African hosting, two debut finalists served up a thriller. Mali led at the break, but Congo Brazzaville turned the game on its head with three goals in a blistering seven-minute spell. Jean Michel M’Bono struck twice in two minutes before François M’Pelé sealed it, a comeback that earned him Player of the Tournament honours.
Nigeria 2–1 Zambia (1994)
Emotion poured from the stands in Tunis as Zambia, just a year after losing most of their squad in a tragic plane crash, defied all odds to reach the final. Elijah Litana put them ahead after three minutes, but Emmanuel Amunike replied almost instantly. His second half winner sealed Nigeria’s second title, a bitter sweet end to one of football’s most courageous runs.
South Africa 2–0 Tunisia (1996)
More than a football match, this was a nation’s statement. Hosts South Africa, back in international football after apartheid, lifted the trophy in front of 80,000 in Johannesburg, with Nelson Mandela watching on. Substitute Mark Williams wrote his name into history, coming off the bench to score twice in three minutes and deliver a unifying moment for a reborn nation.
Zambia 0–0 Ivory Coast (2012, Zambia win 8-7 on pens)
A final steeped in fate. Playing not far from where their 1993 squad perished in a plane crash, Zambia faced an Ivory Coast side led by Didier Drogba. After Drogba skied a penalty in normal time, it went to spot kicks in Libreville. Eight rounds later, defender Stoppila Sunzu held his nerve, completing one of football’s most poignant triumphs.
