Arjun Menon
Hosts Morocco were left stunned on Sunday night as Senegal claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown with a dramatic 1-0 victory after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. A powerful strike from Pape Gueye early in extra time proved decisive, sealing a second AFCON title for the Lions of Teranga.
The final swung on a chaotic sequence of moments late in normal time. Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, only for Brahim Díaz to see his audacious chipped effort comfortably caught by Édouard Mendy. Senegal punished that miss almost immediately, capitalising in extra time to deliver a crushing blow to the hosts.
The result ends Morocco’s remarkable 24-match unbeaten run and marks their first home defeat since November 2009. For Senegal, it confirms their growing dominance on the continental stage, with both of their AFCON triumphs now coming in the last three editions.
A Tense, Tactical Opening
As expected of a final, the opening exchanges were cagey and intense. Both sides packed the centre of the pitch, forcing attacks wide and limiting clear chances. Senegal looked marginally more threatening early on and nearly took the lead in the fifth minute when a corner found Pape Gueye unmarked at the far post, but Yassine Bounou reacted sharply to deny him.
The best opportunity of the first half also fell Senegal’s way. Iliman Ndiaye was released down the right flank and looked certain to score, only for Bounou to produce a brilliant kick save that ensured the teams went into the break level.
Morocco Grow, Drama Follows
Morocco emerged with greater urgency after half-time, pushing higher up the pitch and committing more bodies forward. Their clearest opening arrived in the 58th minute when Bilal El Khannouss delivered an inviting cross from the right, but Ayoub El Kaabi could only glance his effort narrowly wide.
Late chances came at both ends. Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye forced another save from Bounou, setting the stage for an explosive finale deep into stoppage time.
Controversy erupted when a VAR review resulted in a penalty for Morocco. Senegal’s players briefly walked off in protest before captain Sadio Mané led them back onto the pitch. After a lengthy delay, Díaz stepped up and attempted a panenka-style penalty, but Mendy stood firm and caught the ball cleanly.
Gueye Delivers the Decisive Moment
Morocco never recovered from that psychological blow. Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck with devastating efficiency. Idrissa Gana Gueye fed Pape Gueye in transition, and the Villarreal midfielder held off his marker before firing an accurate shot past Bounou, off the crossbar and into the net.
The stadium fell silent.
There was still time for late drama. Morocco rattled the crossbar from a set piece, while Senegal substitute Chérif Ndiaye squandered a golden chance to make it 2-0. Ultimately, Senegal’s defensive resilience held firm, closing out a famous victory.
A Historic Night for Senegal
At the final whistle, Senegal celebrated another landmark moment in their footballing history. Their disciplined structure, physical edge and composure under pressure proved decisive on the biggest stage.
For Morocco, it was a painful end to a historic unbeaten run on home soil. For Senegal, it was confirmation that the Lions of Teranga remain a dominant force in African football — champions once again when it mattered most.
Read also: AFCON Final Descends into Chaos as Senegal Walk Off After Late VAR Penalty for Morocco