Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a nerve-shredding and controversy-laden final that ended in heartbreak for hosts Morocco and jubilation for the West Africans.
Playing before a capacity crowd of 66,526 fans at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday night, the Lions of Teranga edged Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift the AFCON trophy for the second time in their history.
The final was tense from start to finish, marked by moments of brilliance, controversy, and high drama.
Normal time ended goalless, but not without incident. Just moments before the final whistle, Senegal believed they had taken the lead through a well-worked move, only for the goal to be controversially ruled out, prompting protests from the Senegalese bench.
Barely a minute later, Morocco were awarded a penalty, a decision that sparked chaos inside the stadium. In protest, Senegal head coach ordered his players off the pitch, with several already heading toward the tunnel.
In a powerful display of leadership and sportsmanship, team captain Sadio Mané intervened, urging his teammates to return to the field and respect the spirit of the game.
Once order was restored, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty. Under immense pressure, his effort lacked conviction and was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who held onto the ball to keep the score level at 0–0 and force extra time.
Mendy’s save proved to be a decisive turning point, swinging momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.
Early in the first half of extra time, Senegal finally made the breakthrough. Midfielder Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Moroccan goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Senegalese players, officials, and supporters, while Morocco struggled to recover from the setback.
Senegal defended resolutely for the remainder of extra time, absorbing sustained pressure and protecting their slender lead until the final whistle.
The victory secured Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title, adding to their maiden triumph in 2021.
Sadio Mané was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), not only for his on-field performances but also for his role in restoring calm and preserving the integrity of the final. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou claimed the Golden Glove award following an outstanding tournament between the posts.
During the trophy presentation ceremony, attention briefly turned to the future of African football. Representatives from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania—the confirmed co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations—were formally handed the AFCON flag, symbolically marking their role as the next hosts of the continent’s premier football tournament.
