As Morocco and Senegal prepare to clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday, AFP Sport has highlighted five of the most unforgettable title deciders in the history of the competition. From dramatic comebacks to emotionally charged triumphs, these finals have helped shape AFCON’s rich legacy.

Ethiopia 4–2 Egypt (1962)

The highest-scoring final in AFCON history delivered breathtaking drama in Addis Ababa. Tournament hosts Ethiopia twice came from behind against defending champions Egypt before scoring two goals in extra time to secure their first and only continental crown. Mengistu Worku was the hero, netting a late equaliser six minutes from time and adding a fourth goal in extra time in front of a packed 30,000 crowd.

Congo 3–2 Mali (1972)

Congo Brazzaville stunned Mali in Yaoundé with a blistering spell that turned the final on its head. After trailing 1–0 at half-time in a contest between two debut finalists, the Congolese struck three times in just seven minutes around the hour mark. Jean-Michel M’Bono scored twice in quick succession before François M’Pelé sealed the win and went on to be named the tournament’s standout player.

Nigeria 2–1 Zambia (1994)

One of the most emotionally charged finals saw Nigeria defeat Zambia in Tunis to lift their second AFCON title. Zambia had reached the final less than a year after a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of 18 national team members. Elijah Litana gave Zambia an early lead, but Emmanuel Amunike responded with two goals to secure victory for the Super Eagles.

South Africa 2–0 Tunisia (1996)

In a historic moment for African football, hosts South Africa claimed the 1996 title in Johannesburg just four years after returning from international isolation. Watched by an 80,000-strong crowd — including Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk — substitute Mark Williams scored twice to inspire Bafana Bafana to glory.

Zambia 0–0 Ivory Coast (2012)

Zambia produced one of the greatest shocks in AFCON history by defeating favourites Ivory Coast 8–7 on penalties after a goalless final in Libreville. Didier Drogba missed a crucial penalty in normal time, while further misses in the shoot-out allowed defender Stoppila Sunzu to slot home the decisive kick. The triumph was deeply symbolic, coming near the site of Zambia’s 1993 air disaster.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 final, these iconic moments serve as a reminder of AFCON’s unique ability to blend drama, history and emotion on the grandest stage.