Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Morocco in a gripping final played in Rabat.
The encounter lived up to expectations as both sides, ranked among Africa’s elite, cancelled each other out for long spells in a fiercely contested contest. Chances were limited in the opening half, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the interval.
Drama intensified after the restart as Senegal thought they had taken the lead through Ismaila Sarr, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi. With regulation time nearing its end and the match seemingly heading for extra time, controversy struck deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 97th minute.
Tension boiled over as Senegalese players protested the decision and briefly walked off the pitch. When play resumed, Morocco’s hopes rested on Brahim Diaz, but his attempted Panenka was calmly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping his side alive.
The decisive moment eventually arrived in extra time when Pape Gueye produced a brilliant left-footed strike to beat the Moroccan goalkeeper and send the Senegalese bench into wild celebrations. The goal proved enough to separate both sides, as Senegal held firm to seal a memorable triumph and lift the AFCON trophy.
