Senegal lifted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy on Sunday night after a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat, a final defined as much by late controversy as by a moment of brilliance that ultimately decided the contest, Cape{town}Etc reports.
The decisive goal came in the 94th minute, when midfielder Pape Gueye struck from range to silence the home crowd and secure Senegal’s second continental title in three tournaments.
The breakthrough followed an extraordinary end to regulation time, during which Senegal briefly left the pitch in protest before regrouping and completing one of the most tense finals in recent AFCON history.
The flashpoint arrived deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review showed Brahim Diaz being pulled down while defending a corner.
The decision triggered heated exchanges between players and officials, with Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordering his side off the field, as per SuperSport. It was all time top scorer Sadio Mane who eventually persuaded his teammates to return and resume play.
Once the match restarted, Brahim Diaz stepped up with a chance to settle the final in normal time but attempted a Panenka penalty that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The penalty save proved pivotal, as Senegal appeared energised by the escape and struck early in extra time. Mane won possession in midfield and linked up with Everton defensive midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye.
The Villarreal midfielder held off Morocco captain and PSG fullback Achraf Hakimi before firing a powerful shot beyond Yassine Bounou into the top corner.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser and came agonisingly close in the second half of extra time when Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar. However, Senegal held firm to see out the match, despite missing a late chance to extend their lead.
The final was played in front of 66,526 spectators at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Al Jazeera) and brought an emotional end to Morocco’s campaign, as hopes of ending a 50-year wait for a second AFCON title slipped away. Several home supporters left before the final whistle on a cold and wet night in Rabat.
‘We really wanted to win here,’ Gueye said after the match. ‘It was a very difficult game, but we gave everything.’
Meanwhile, Morocco coach Walid Regragui described the defeat as painful, saying his side had come close to victory before the late twist. He congratulated Senegal, while acknowledging disappointment over how the closing stages unfolded.
‘We congratulate Senegal, even if what we showed of African football was disappointing, given everything that happened when the penalty was awarded,’ he stated.
Senegal’s triumph marks their second AFCON crown in the last three editions, following their maiden title in 2022.
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