Senegal emerged champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday night after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a chaotic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The final was decided by Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye, whose superb strike in the fourth minute of extra time stunned the home crowd and sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their maiden triumph in 2022.
Morocco had a golden chance to win the trophy in the dying moments of normal time after being awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time. Brahim Diaz stepped up in the 24th added minute but saw his weak chipped effort comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, after a delay of almost 20 minutes caused by protests and crowd unrest.
Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz, a decision that sparked fury among Senegal players and supporters. Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, while clashes broke out among fans before order was restored.
Moments earlier, Senegal had a goal disallowed for a foul after Ismaila Sarr nodded in a rebound from a corner, further inflaming tensions.
Galvanised by Diaz’s miss, Senegal struck decisively in extra time. Sadio Mane won possession in midfield before Idrissa Gana Gueye released Pape Gueye, who shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and fired past Yassine Bounou into the top corner.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser, with Nayef Aguerd hitting the crossbar late in extra time, but the Teranga Lions held firm to clinch the title.
The defeat was heartbreaking for Morocco, who had hoped to lift the trophy on home soil and end a 50-year wait for a second AFCON crown. Many home supporters left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold, wet night in Rabat.
Senegal’s victory marked their second AFCON title in three editions and their first-ever goal in an AFCON final after failing to score in their previous three final appearances.
They now turn their attention to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, while questions are expected over the disorderly scenes that marred the final, including crowd trouble and officiating decisions.
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