The Africa Cup of Nations final has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in football history. From dramatic penalty shootouts to last-minute goals, AFCON finals have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Top 10 Africa Cup of Nations Final Matches of All Time
This article highlights the top 10 Africa Cup of Nations final matches, ranking them based on excitement, historical impact, and unforgettable performances.
1. Egypt vs. Cameroon (2008) – The Pharaohs’ Triumph
This final was a clash of titans. Egypt, the defending champions, faced Cameroon, a team known for their physicality and resilience. The match was tense, with both sides creating chances but struggling to break the deadlock.
Then, in the 77th minute, Mohamed Aboutrika, Egypt’s talisman, stepped up. A perfectly timed pass found him in the box, and he coolly slotted the ball past the Cameroonian goalkeeper. The stadium erupted!
Egypt held on to win 1-0, securing their sixth AFCON title and cementing their status as the most successful team in AFCON history at the time. It was a masterclass in composure and tactical discipline.
2. Nigeria vs. Cameroon (2000) – Penalty Heartbreak
Oh, this one was a rollercoaster! Nigeria and Cameroon, two fierce rivals, went head-to-head in Lagos, Nigeria. The Super Eagles took an early lead through Samuel Eto’o (yes, he scored for Cameroon, but it was an own goal!).
Cameroon equalized, then Nigeria went ahead again, only for Cameroon to level the score late in the game. Extra time couldn’t separate them, so it went to penalties. Cameroon held their nerve, winning 4-3, and broke Nigerian hearts on home soil.
It was a bitter pill for Nigeria to swallow, but Cameroon celebrated their third AFCON title in style.
3. Zambia vs. Ivory Coast (2012) – The Miracle of Libreville
This final was more than just a football match; it was a story of redemption and remembrance. Zambia, a team with a tragic past (their 1993 squad died in a plane crash), faced the star-studded Ivory Coast. The match was goalless after 120 minutes, and it went to penalties.
What followed was one of the most dramatic shootouts in history. Zambia’s goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene, became a hero, and the Chipolopolo won 8-7.
The players dedicated the victory to the fallen heroes of 1993, making it one of the most emotional moments in AFCON history.
4. Senegal vs. Egypt (2021) – Mane’s Redemption
This was a final of high stakes and even higher drama. Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, faced Egypt, the record champions.
The match was tense, with both teams missing chances. It went to penalties, and Mane, who had missed a penalty earlier in the game, stepped up to take the decisive spot-kick.
He didn’t miss this time, sending Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title. The scenes of celebration were unforgettable, and Mane’s redemption arc was the stuff of legends.
5. Ghana vs. Ivory Coast (1992) – The 11-10 Shootout
If you love penalty shootouts, this is the match for you. Ghana and Ivory Coast battled it out in a final that ended 0-0 after extra time.
The shootout was epic, lasting 11 rounds! Players from both sides showed nerves of steel, but it was Ivory Coast’s Anthony Baffoe who scored the winning penalty, securing a 11-10 victory.
It remains one of the longest and most nerve-wracking shootouts in football history.
6. Egypt vs. Ghana (2010) – The Pharaohs’ Hat-Trick
Egypt were chasing history, aiming for a third consecutive AFCON title. Ghana, the hosts, were determined to stop them.
The match was tight, but Egypt’s Mohamed Gedo came off the bench to score the winner in the 85th minute. The Egyptians defended like warriors, and when the final whistle blew, they made history.
This victory solidified Egypt’s dominance in African football during that era.
7. Algeria vs. Senegal (2019) – Desert Warriors’ Glory
Algeria came into this final with a point to prove, and they did it in style. Just two minutes into the game, Baghdad Bounedjah scored a deflected goal that looped over the Senegal goalkeeper.
Senegal pushed hard for an equalizer, but Algeria’s defense, led by Riyad Mahrez, held firm.
The Desert Warriors celebrated their second AFCON title, and it was a moment of pure joy for Algerian fans everywhere.
8. Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso (2013) – Super Eagles’ Victory
Nigeria were back in the final after a long wait, and they didn’t disappoint. The match was tightly contested, but Sunday Mba became the hero with a stunning goal in the 40th minute.
Burkina Faso fought hard, but Nigeria’s defense stood tall.
The Super Eagles lifted their third AFCON trophy, and the celebrations in South Africa were wild!
9. Cameroon vs. Egypt (2017) – The Indomitable Comeback
This final was a thriller! Egypt took an early lead, but Cameroon fought back with a goal from Nicolas Nkoulou.
Then, in the 88th minute, Vincent Aboubakar scored a sensational winner, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper.
The Indomitable Lions celebrated their fifth AFCON title, and Aboubakar’s goal became an instant classic.
10. Ivory Coast vs. Ghana (2015) – Another Penalty Drama
This final was a repeat of the 1992 shootout drama. After a goalless 120 minutes, the match went to penalties.
Both teams were flawless until the 9th round, when Ghana’s Junior Tallo missed. Ivory Coast’s Boubacar Barry, the goalkeeper, stepped up to score the winning penalty and then saved the next one to seal the victory.
It was a fitting end to a tournament full of surprises.
Wrap-Up Africa Cup of Nations Final
Egypt holds the record for most African Cup of Nations winners with seven titles. The top 10 most AFCON winners include Egypt (7 titles), Cameroon (5 titles), Ghana (4 titles), Nigeria (3 titles), Ivory Coast (2 titles), Algeria (2 titles), DR Congo (2 titles), Zambia (1 title), Tunisia (1 title), and Senegal (1 title). For a comprehensive list of AFCON winners since 1957, visit the official CAF website.
FIFA rankings determine the top 10 African countries in FIFA ranking, with Senegal, Morocco, and Nigeria consistently among the highest-ranked. For those wondering when the next AFCON is, the 2025 tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The Africa Cup of Nations final has provided unforgettable moments over the decades. Which final is your favorite?
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
