Senegal crowned themselves champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in a pulsating final that went into extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium early this morning.
The final was marred by controversy and high drama, with Senegal momentarily walking off the pitch in protest before regrouping to seal victory in the 94th minute through midfielder Pape Gueye, who struck the decisive goal in extra time.
Tensions boiled over late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, which ruled that Brahim Diaz had been pulled down by Senegal wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner-kick situation. The decision sparked heated confrontations between players from both sides, prompting Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw to instruct his players to leave the field in protest.
However, Senegal talisman Sadio Mané played a crucial role in calming the situation, persuading his teammates to return to the pitch after a delay of nearly 14 minutes.
When play resumed, Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to claim the title, but Diaz’s audacious Panenka-style penalty proved costly as it was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending shockwaves through the packed stadium.
Buoyed by the dramatic escape, Senegal seized control in extra time. Their resilience paid off when Gueye found the back of the net in the 94th minute, delivering a crushing blow to the hosts and silencing the home crowd.
The defeat marked Morocco’s first international loss after an astonishing run of 27 consecutive victories, bringing an abrupt end to their dominance on home soil.
For Senegal, the triumph signalled their second AFCON title in the last three editions, underlining their status as one of Africa’s modern football powerhouses after overcoming adversity, controversy and immense pressure on the grandest stage.
Credit Photo : CAF
