AFP Sport highlights five memorable AFCON finals, from Ethiopia 1962 to Zambia 2012, ahead of the 2025 Morocco vs Senegal showdown

AFP Sport has selected five of the most memorable Africa Cup of Nations finals ahead of the 2025 title decider between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday.

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The 1962 final in Ethiopia saw hosts Ethiopia defeat defending champions Egypt 4-2 in a thrilling encounter.

Mengistu Worku scored twice, including a late extra-time winner, to secure Ethiopia’s only AFCON title in front of 30,000 spectators.

In 1972, Congo Brazzaville triumphed 3-2 over Mali in Yaounde, overturning a 1-0 half-time deficit. Jean-Michel M’Bono netted twice in two minutes, while Francois M’Pele added another goal, earning the outstanding player accolade in the first AFCON held in Central Africa.

Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Zambia in the 1994 final in Tunis was particularly poignant. Less than a year after a plane crash claimed 18 national players, Elijah Litana scored within three minutes, only for Emmanuel Amunike to equalise and later secure Nigeria’s second AFCON title.

The 1996 final in Johannesburg saw hosts South Africa defeat Tunisia 2-0. Substitute Mark Williams scored both goals in front of 80,000 fans, a historic moment as South Africa returned to international football following the end of apartheid.

President Nelson Mandela attended the match alongside former ruler FW de Klerk.

Finally, Zambia stunned Ivory Coast in the 2012 final, winning 8-7 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Libreville.

Stoppila Sunzu converted the decisive spot-kick, while Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure and Gervinho missed crucial penalties.

The victory carried extra significance following Zambia’s 1993 air crash near the venue.

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These iconic matches highlight the drama, resilience and unforgettable moments that have defined AFCON history as fans await the 2025 final in Rabat.