Senegal have been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions once again after edging hosts Morocco one goal to nill in a turbulent final that stretched into extra time in Rabat.
The 2025 AFCON decider was marred by controversy, particularly in the closing stages of regulation time when Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute after a VAR review ruled that Moussa Diouf had brought down Brahim DÃaz in the area.
The call triggered furious reactions from Senegal players and officials, with head coach, Aliou Thiaw instructing his team to leave the pitch in protest. The frustration was compounded by an earlier moment in the match when Senegal saw a goal chalked off for a supposed foul on Achraf Hakimi, a decision taken without VAR intervention. The contrasting officiating decisions intensified accusations of inconsistency.
Tempers flared as several Senegal players moved toward the tunnel, raising fears the match could be abandoned, before captain Sadio Mané stepped in to calm the situation and persuaded his teammates to return to the field.
After lengthy delays and heated exchanges, play resumed with goalkeeper Édouard Mendy back between the posts as DÃaz prepared to take the penalty. The Moroccan forward opted for an audacious panenka, but Mendy stayed alert and calmly caught the ball, a moment that swung momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.
That turning point proved decisive in extra time. Deep into added minutes, Pape Gueye struck from distance, sending a powerful effort past the Moroccan goalkeeper and into the net, stunning the home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco were unable to mount a comeback, and Senegal saw out the remaining moments to secure victory, clinching their second AFCON crown in six years in a final defined by drama, dispute and a match-winning strike that will be remembered for years to come.
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