Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a narrow 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in a dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
This clash between Africa’s two highest-ranked sides was fittingly met with an electric atmosphere in the Moroccan capital city, with the home crowd in full voice to greet the Atlas Lions.
Given the two sides’ defensive records at this tournament, the play was surprisingly open early on, and Yassine Bounou stopped Pape Gueye from heading in before Ismael Saibari sliced wide at the other end.
The game saw late drama when a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR review, sparking protests from Senegal players and halting play for several minutes. Both teams briefly left the pitch before resuming after intervention by officials and security.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty as Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved his Panenka attempt, intensifying tensions in the stadium.
The match, goalless in regulation time, went into extra time. Senegal took the lead in the 94th minute through Pape Gueye’s stunning long-range strike. Despite Morocco’s relentless efforts, including hitting the crossbar and forcing crucial saves, Senegal held firm.
The match lasted well beyond the scheduled time due to stoppages caused by protests, referee consultations, and crowd unrest.
Senegal’s win crowned them African champions after one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in recent AFCON history, played before a packed home crowd in Rabat.
