Senegal beat Morocco in dramatic Afcon 2025 final to claim second title

Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations crown after a dramatic and controversial final against hosts Morocco in Rabat. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a 1-0 victory, four years on from their maiden triumph.

The match was overshadowed by extraordinary scenes in stoppage time. With the score goalless, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after VAR review, ruling that El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw attempted to lead his players off the pitch in protest, furious that Ismaila Sarr’s earlier strike had been disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

Play was halted for around 16 minutes before the teams returned. Diaz stepped up for Morocco but his Panenka attempt was saved by Edouard Mendy, who had briefly gone to the dressing room before being persuaded by Sadio Mane to finish the game.

The breakthrough came soon after. Gueye produced a stunning solo effort in the 94th minute of extra time, cutting through the Moroccan defence to fire past Yassine Bounou. Diaz was later substituted as Morocco’s hopes of a first Afcon title since 1976 slipped away.

The closing stages were tense both on and off the pitch. Mane emerged as a calming influence, urging his teammates to continue and later appealing to Senegal’s supporters to stay peaceful after clashes in the stands prompted a line of armoured police to intervene.

Senegal’s victory adds another chapter to their growing continental pedigree, while Morocco are left to reflect on a night of missed opportunity and controversy.