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Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time after a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, decided after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.
The Teranga Lions sealed the title thanks to a stunning extra-time strike from Pape Alassane Gueye, four minutes into the additional period, in a final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as its quality.
Senegal control early stages
Senegal started brightly and almost took an early lead in the fifth minute when Pape Gueye met a corner with a powerful header, forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a sharp reaction save.
The West Africans dominated possession throughout the first half, silencing the home crowd and frustrating the Atlas Lions. Their best chance before the break came in the 38th minute when Iliman Ndiaye broke free down the right, but Bounou produced a brilliant outstretched-leg save to deny what looked like a certain goal.
Morocco struggled to impose themselves, with tournament star Brahim Diaz largely isolated. Their only notable first-half opportunity arrived in the 41st minute when Nayef Aguerd headed wide from an Abde Ezzalzouli cross.
Missed chances and late controversy
The hosts emerged with greater intensity after the interval and should have taken the lead just before the hour mark. A perfect cross from Bilal El Khannouss found Ayoub El Kaabi unmarked, but the striker inexplicably sent his effort wide.
Senegal regained control late in regulation time. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye tested Bounou with a fierce strike from the edge of the box in the final minute, before the Teranga Lions had a goal disallowed from a corner due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck.
What followed was one of the most bizarre endings to an AFCON final. Deep into eight minutes of stoppage time, Brahim Diaz was penalised as being fouled by Malick Diouf during a corner. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty.
Senegal players protested furiously and briefly threatened to walk off, with captain Sadio Mané eventually restoring calm and urging his teammates to continue. When play resumed, Diaz attempted an audacious Panenka penalty, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood his ground and made a simple save, leaving the stadium stunned. By the time the final whistle blew, regulation time had extended nearly 25 minutes beyond the original 90.
Pape Gueye delivers glory
Morocco never fully recovered mentally from the missed penalty, and Senegal struck decisively four minutes into extra time. Midfielder Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net, sending the Senegalese bench into wild celebrations.
The Atlas Lions rallied late on and came agonisingly close to equalising in the 108th minute when Aguerd’s header from a corner rattled the crossbar. However, Senegal defended resolutely to see out the remaining minutes and secure a famous and chaotic triumph on Moroccan soil.
Senegal crowned kings of Africa
The victory confirms Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations, adding a second AFCON crown to their growing legacy. For Morocco, the defeat was heartbreaking, especially after coming so close to lifting the trophy on home ground.
Final Score (after extra time):
Senegal 1 (P. Gueye 94’)
Morocco 0
Senegal are champions of Africa once again.
