Senegal are champions of Africa once again. On a tense, fractious night in Rabat, the Teranga Lions defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, securing a second continental crown in four years and cementing their status as the most consistent African national team of the current era.
The final was decided by a single strike from Pape Gueye early in extra time, but the story of the night stretched far beyond the goal: a missed stoppage-time penalty, a temporary walk-off by Senegal’s players, VAR controversy, and a stadium locked in disbelief as the hosts fell at the final hurdle.
A Final Played on a Knife Edge
From kick-off, Morocco played with the urgency of a host nation seeking a first AFCON title since 1976. Senegal, by contrast, looked comfortable ceding territory, defending in compact lines and breaking selectively.
The opening exchanges were physical rather than fluent. Midfield duels dominated, with Senegal’s engine room disrupting Morocco’s rhythm and preventing sustained central penetration. The clearest first-half chance fell to Senegal when Iliman Ndiaye broke through the Moroccan back line, only for Yassine Bounou to produce a sharp reflex save.
Morocco responded with pressure from wide areas and a series of corners, but Senegal’s centre-backs dealt calmly with aerial deliveries. At half-time, the scoreboard read 0–0, though the atmosphere inside the stadium suggested a match approaching boiling point.
Second Half: Pressure Without Precision
After the interval, Morocco increased the tempo. Their full-backs pushed higher, and the hosts enjoyed longer spells of possession. Senegal, however, remained disciplined, refusing to be drawn into an end-to-end contest.
Chances came sporadically rather than in waves. Morocco threatened from distance and from set pieces; Senegal countered when space appeared, but neither side could find a decisive breakthrough in regulation time.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the match appeared destined for extra time—until VAR intervened.
Stoppage-Time Chaos and a Turning Point
Deep into added time, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with the referee judging that Brahim Díaz had been fouled inside the box.
The decision triggered chaos. Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, protesting the call. After a lengthy delay and intense discussions, play resumed.
When the penalty was finally taken, Díaz attempted an audacious chipped effort. Edouard Mendy read it perfectly, standing tall to save. The miss sucked the air out of the stadium and shifted the psychological balance decisively.
Moments later, regulation time ended goalless.
Extra Time: Senegal Strike, Morocco Falter
Only minutes into extra time, Senegal delivered the decisive blow. Breaking forward with purpose, the ball fell to Pape Gueye on the edge of the area. His right-footed strike arrowed past Bounou and into the corner of the net.
It was Senegal’s first clear opening of the night—and they took it ruthlessly.
Morocco responded with urgency, throwing men forward and pressing deep into Senegalese territory. Yet the hosts’ attacks lacked composure. Crosses were cleared, long shots blocked, and Senegal’s defensive shape held firm.
After 120 minutes, the final whistle confirmed Senegal’s victory—and Morocco’s heartbreak.
For Senegal, the triumph confirms a golden era. Since lifting their maiden AFCON title in 2021, they have now added a second, underlining a rare blend of tactical discipline, mental resilience, and tournament know-how. Winning a final away from home—against hosts, amid controversy—only enhances the scale of the achievement.
For Morocco, the defeat will sting deeply. Hosting AFCON was meant to be the final step in a broader footballing ascent following their historic World Cup run. Instead, they leave with unanswered questions about composure under pressure and the inability to convert dominance into goals.
