Senegal Beat Morocco To Win The AFCON Final In Dramatic Fashion

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final with a 1–0 victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, claiming the continental title in a match marked by controversy, protest and a decisive extra-time goal.

The decisive turn came in extra time, when Pape Gueye produced a quick and incisive strike early in the additional period, dancing past defenders and placing a precise shot into the top corner beyond Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to send Senegal into the lead. Senegal then held on to their advantage against a sustained Moroccan attack to secure the title.

The final was tightly contested through the regulation 90 minutes, with neither side able to score. In stoppage time, a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Díaz, a decision that sparked major protest from the Senegal team.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in visible protest, with the squad leaving the field and play suspended for close to 15–20 minutes as officials and team representatives negotiated their return.

Once play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty with the final kick of normal time, attempting a Panenka-style chip.

His effort lacked power and was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the scoreline level and sending the match into extra time.

Senegal’s victory delivers their second AFCON title, consolidating their status among Africa’s elite teams, while Morocco — competing for the first continental crown since 1976 — were left to rue missed opportunities in front of a home crowd.

The final will be remembered for both the championship moments and the intense late-match controversy.