Rabat: In one of the most dramatic finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal were crowned 2025 AFCON champions after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The only goal of the game came from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute, a stunning strike that broke the deadlock after a tense 0-0 finish in regulation. It was enough to hand Senegal their second AFCON crown in three editions.
Drama Before the Decisive Goal
The match was far from ordinary. Deep into stoppage time of normal time, Morocco were awarded a contentious penalty after a VAR review. What followed was a sequence that will be talked about for years.
Senegal’s players, protesting the decision, briefly walked off the pitch, forcing a lengthy delay before play resumed.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz — who had been outstanding throughout the tournament — stepped up but mis-executed a daring Panenka penalty, which Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy saved with ease.
“I’m very happy to win … we stayed focused, played our game, and showed Senegalese football,” Mendy later told media.
Senegal Triumph, Morocco Heartbroken
Just minutes into extra time, Gueye found the breakthrough, slotting home to send the Senegal bench into wild celebration and silence the partisan crowd.
Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui admitted the defeat was tough to take, saying, “We are really disappointed for all the Moroccan people … but we congratulate Senegal.”
Senegal’s victory sparked huge celebrations back home in Dakar, with fans and officials praising the team’s resilience.
Final Score: Senegal 1 (Gueye 94’) — Morocco 0 (After Extra Time)
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final
Significance: Senegal’s second continental title.
Discussion about this post