Senegal emerged champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco, in a final marred by controversy and tension in Rabat.
The match took a chaotic turn late in normal time when Senegal players briefly walked off in protest against a VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco, following a lengthy delay.
Order was restored after intervention from senior players, including Sadio Mané. However, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz squandered the decisive moment, missing a last-gasp penalty with a tame Panenka that was comfortably saved.
The miss galvanised Senegal.Just four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye struck the winning goal with a powerful finish after a swift counter-attack, silencing the home crowd of over 66,000.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser but were denied by the woodwork.The victory secured Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, reinforcing their status as Africa’s dominant force despite a final overshadowed by disorder.
