Senegal Edge Morocco To Lift AFCON 2025

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

SENEGAL claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title with a tense 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a final overshadowed by controversy and high drama at AFCON 2025.

The decisive breakthrough arrived early in extra time through Pape Gueye, whose moment of individual brilliance separated the sides. The midfielder surged forward from deep, evaded multiple challenges and fired an unstoppable strike from distance that beat Yassine Bono and silenced the Rabat crowd.

The final had been a cagey affair during regulation time, with neither team able to assert dominance. Morocco dominated possession, while Senegal relied on defensive organisation and quick transitions. Tension peaked late on when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the hosts a penalty after consulting VAR, a decision that sparked fury among Senegal’s players.

In protest, the Senegalese briefly left the pitch before returning to complete the match. Morocco’s hopes were raised, but Brahim Díaz failed to convert from the spot, as Édouard Mendy guessed correctly to make a crucial save.

That miss proved costly. Senegal seized control in extra time, showing experience and composure as they defended their slender lead. Morocco pushed relentlessly for an equaliser and came agonisingly close when a header crashed against the crossbar, but the Senegalese backline refused to yield.

Senegal’s path to the title included a disciplined semi-final victory over Egypt, while Morocco had earlier edged Nigeria on penalties. The final itself ended amid heated scenes in the stands and on the touchline.

For Senegal, the victory cements their growing dominance in African football and adds another historic chapter to their continental success.