Senegal were crowned champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic and emotionally charged final played on Sunday in Rabat.
The Teranga Lions sealed victory deep into extra time, capping a pulsating contest marked by controversy, missed chances, and late drama that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Senegal started on the front foot, dominating early possession and creating the better chances.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced fine saves to deny Pape Gueye and Habib Diallo Ndiaye, while Senegal also saw the ball hit the back of the net only for the effort to be ruled out after Idrissa Gueye was judged to have fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.
The defining moment of the match came in the dying seconds of added time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR intervention.
The decision sparked furious protests from the Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch in disbelief before eventually returning to allow play to resume.
Morocco’s hopes of a late breakthrough rested on Brahim Díaz, but his audacious panenka attempt was brilliantly read and caught by Edouard Mendy, whose save stunned the home crowd and kept Senegal alive.
With the contest heading into extra time, Senegal finally found the breakthrough. Ndiaye burst into the Moroccan penalty area and fired a decisive shot past Bounou, sending the Senegalese bench into wild celebration and breaking the hearts of the Atlas Lions.
Senegal showed composure and discipline in the closing stages, expertly managing the game to secure their second AFCON title in four years, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.