Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, clinching their second continental title thanks to a dramatic extra-time s
Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, clinching their second continental title thanks to a dramatic extra-time strike from Pape Gueye.
The match in Rabat was marred by controversy, including a late penalty save by Édouard Mendy that kept Senegal alive before their decisive goal.
The final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah was a tense and cagey affair, with both sides struggling to break each other down during regulation time.
Senegal had the better of the first half, creating chances through Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, but Moroccan goalkeeper Bono kept them at bay.
Morocco grew stronger in the second half, dominating possession and pushing Senegal deep, yet they failed to convert their opportunities.
The atmosphere was electric, with the home crowd urging Morocco forward, but Senegal’s defensive resilience held firm.
Drama unfolded in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review. Brahim Díaz stepped up, attempting a Panenka, but Édouard Mendy read it perfectly and made a crucial save.
The incident sparked chaos, with Senegalese players briefly walking off the pitch in protest before returning.
That save proved to be the turning point, galvanising Senegal and silencing the Moroccan supporters who had already begun celebrating prematurely.
In extra time, Senegal seized their moment. Just four minutes into the added period, Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike that beat Bono and secured the Teranga Lions’ victory.
The goal sealed Senegal’s second AFCON triumph, following their 2021 success, and sparked jubilant celebrations both in Rabat and back home in Dakar.
For Morocco, the defeat was bitter, compounded by the controversies that overshadowed their performance as they had to wait for another two years to break their lack of an AFCON trophy for over 50 years.
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