Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after edging Morocco 1–0 in a tense and dramatic final on Sunday night in Rabat.
The highly anticipated clash between Africa’s two top-ranked sides was fiercely contested, with both teams cancelling each other out in a goalless first half.
The deadlock persisted deep into the second half, and Senegal thought they had broken through when Ismaila Sarr nodded home, only for the referee to rule out the goal for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.
Late drama followed in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the 97th minute. Tempers flared, leading to a brief walkout by Senegalese players, before play resumed. Brahim Díaz stepped up but failed to convert, as his attempted panenka was calmly saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The breakthrough finally arrived in extra time when Pape Gueye struck a brilliant left-footed effort, sending the Senegalese bench into celebration and sealing victory for the West African giants.
The win crowned Senegal champions of Africa after an unforgettable final filled with controversy, tension and late heroics.
