AFCON: Senegal beat Morocco in a tempestuous final to lift title

Senegal win 2025 AFCON title: Beat hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time final; Mendy saves Díaz Panenka penalty, Pape Gueye scores winner in dramatic Rabat

Sadio Mane, lifted by his teammates after his heroic mediation in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations against Morocco. Senegal won 1-0 to lift the trophy. (Photo credit: CNN)

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in dramatic fashion on Sunday night, defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final filled with controversy and emotion at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The match remained goalless throughout regular time, but a late penalty award to Morocco following a VAR review sparked chaos. Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, angry at the decision, before being persuaded to return to the field.

Sadio Mane was at the centre of the peace treaty as the whole world watched on. The Senegalese players felt a sense of injustice, but football ultimately prevailed. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz then failed to convert the spot-kick, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saving the Panenka-style attempt.

The Real Madrid forward was the leading light for Morocco in the tournament, scoring in five straight games before blanking against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. His coronation moment arrived when Yusuf En Nesri handed him the penalty to take.

After the delay, Edouard Mendy stood still as Brahim Diaz attempted to humiliate him with a Panenka; the former Chelsea goalkeeper saved easily, and the entire stadium fell into utter silence. It was an anticlimax to a moment of national glory for the hosts.

With the score still tied, play went into extra time. In the 94th minute, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a powerful winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory and earning Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title, following their triumph in 2021.

Senegal managed the rest of the game, missing glorious chances as Morocco threw everything forward in search of an equaliser that never came. The triumph was Senegal's second in the last three editions after winning the tournament in 2021.

The final was marked by heightened tension both on and off the pitch, with moments of intense fan reaction and emotional scenes from both teams after the controversial penalty episode. Despite the contentious build-up, Senegal’s resilience and composure in extra time brought them continental glory once more.