5 Unforgettable AFCON Finals That Made History

Africa's biggest football tournament has delivered decades of joy, and these five finals stand out as reminders of why millions fall in love with the beautiful game.

In 1962, Ethiopia pulled off the ultimate underdog story on home soil. Trailing Egypt twice in regular time, they refused to give up. Mengistu Worku became a national hero by scoring the equalizer with just six minutes left, then sealing victory with the final goal in extra time. The 4-2 win remains Ethiopia's only AFCON title, and 30,000 fans in Addis Ababa witnessed pure magic.

Congo Brazzaville wrote their own fairy tale in 1972 against Mali. Down 1-0 at halftime in their first ever final, they exploded with three goals in seven incredible minutes. Jean-Michel M'Bono scored twice in two minutes, proving that dreams can change in an instant.

The 1994 final carried profound meaning beyond the scoreline. Zambia reached the championship match less than a year after losing 18 national team players in a tragic plane crash. Though Nigeria won 2-1, Zambia's journey to Tunis moved the entire continent and showed the healing power of sport.

South Africa's 1996 triumph marked a nation's rebirth. Just four years after returning to international football following the end of apartheid, they won on home soil. President Nelson Mandela watched alongside FW de Klerk as 80,000 fans in Johannesburg celebrated a 2-0 victory that symbolized hope and unity.

Why This Inspires

Zambia's story came full circle in 2012. They won their first AFCON title by defeating star-studded Ivory Coast on penalties in Libreville, near where their 1993 plane crash occurred. What could have been a tournament defined by past tragedy became a celebration of resilience. Every player who took the field honored those who couldn't, transforming grief into glory.

These five finals remind us that football offers more than entertainment. It gives us comeback stories when we need them, heroes who inspire us, and moments that bring millions together in pure joy.

This Sunday's final between Morocco and Senegal will add another chapter to this beautiful legacy.