By Ghazali Ibrahim
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, beating host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic final filled with controversy and unforgettable moments at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
After a tense 90 minutes in which neither team could break the deadlock, the match erupted deep into stoppage time when Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a foul in the box. Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz stepped up but missed a Panenka-style attempt, easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping the game level and sending it into extra time.
Just three minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye delivered the decisive blow for Senegal. The Villarreal midfielder danced past defenders and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, putting Senegal ahead and ultimately sealing their victory.
The final was not without its heated moments. Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of the penalty decision, a move that drew widespread attention before team captain Sadio Mané urged the squad to return and finish the match.
The victory is Senegal’s second AFCON title, their first since winning the tournament in 2021, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in African football.
Celebrations erupted across Dakar and beyond, with fans and supporters lauding the team’s resilience and determination.
For Morocco, the loss is a heartbreaking end to a promising tournament on home soil. The Atlas Lions were seeking to capture their first AFCON crown since 1976 but were left to rue missed opportunities and the penalty that never was.
Despite the controversy, the match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent history, highlighting both the intensity of African football and the passion of its supporters.
