In one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2025 AFCON trophy at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The match will be remembered not just for the late winning goal but for the chaos that unfolded in its last stages.
Controversy Strikes Late in Normal Time
The final appeared destined for extra time after a tense 90 minutes in which both teams struggled to convert their chances. But the drama erupted deep into stoppage time when Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review after a challenge in the box. The decision sparked divided opinions and ignited fury among the Senegal players.
Believing the call to be unfair, the majority of the Senegal squad stormed off the pitch in protest, leaving the referee and officials on the field. The delay stretched for minutes as team officials and veteran figures, including former coach Claude Le Roy and Senegal legend El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf, worked to calm tempers and convince the players to return.
Missed Penalty and Riotous Aftermath
When play did resume, Morocco’s star forward Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty in front of a hostile home crowd. Opting for a Panenka attempt, Díaz’s weak chip was easily collected by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, much to the disbelief of the Moroccan supporters.
Scenes in the stands quickly deteriorated, with pitch-side barriers falling and riot police deployed to restore order as flare-ups broke out among fans.
Extra Time and the Winning Moment
Just four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye rose to the occasion for Senegal. He latched onto a loose ball, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful strike past Morocco’s goalkeeper in the 94th minute a stunning winner that ultimately secured the Teranga Lions’ second AFCON title.
Gueye’s goal proved decisive in a match where scoring opportunities were at a premium under the pressure of the occasion, particularly for the hosts who had hoped to claim a first continental crown in over five decades.
Senegal’s Resilience and Morocco’s Heartbreak
Despite the controversy and emotional rollercoaster, Senegal’s disciplined defending and resilience in extra time helped them hold on and claim victory. The win adds to their previous success in the AFCON and reinforces their status as a powerhouse in African football.
For Morocco, the loss was a cruel blow on home soil. Their campaign — marked by strong support from local fans ended in agony despite coming so close to lifting the title in front of a passionate home crowd.
Overall, the 2025 AFCON final will be remembered not just for Senegal’s triumph but for the extraordinary turn of events that made it one of the most talked-about matches in tournament history, a game where emotions, controversy, and drama collided unforgettably.