RABAT – Senegal were crowned champions of Africa after a dramatic and controversial Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time amid scenes of confusion and protest.
It is their second title, having previously won in 2021 in Cameroon. Senegal have thus featured in three of the last four final matches of the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the 2025 final match took a farcical turn late in normal time when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco following a VAR review. After a 14-minute delay, the players returned, only for Morocco’s star man Brahim Diaz to squander the opportunity, attempting a Panenka-style chip that was comfortably caught by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck the decisive blow. Midfielder Pape Gueye powered home the winner in the 94th minute, giving goalkeeper Yassine Bounou no chance and sealing a famous victory for the Teranga Lions.
The controversial penalty had been awarded after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala judged that Senegal full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Diaz while defending a corner. The decision sparked angry scenes as players and officials remonstrated with the referee before Senegal left the field in protest.
Senegal’s composure returned after the missed spot kick, and they made their advantage count in extra time to hand Morocco their first defeat in 27 matches and deny the hosts a second Africa Cup of Nations title, 50 years after their only previous triumph.
The final was an end-to-end contest played at a ferocious pace before a partisan crowd of 66,526. Both goalkeepers were outstanding, with Bounou and Mendy producing a string of fine saves as chances came at both ends.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui admitted his disappointment but congratulated Senegal.
“When you get a penalty in the last minute, you see victory very close,” he said. “In the end, football catches up with you. We congratulate Senegal, even if what happened around the penalty was disappointing.”
Senegal’s victory gives them their second Africa Cup of Nations title in three tournaments and confirms their status as the continent’s dominant force, while Morocco’s long wait for a second continental crown continues.
