Joshua Ahabyona || Tayari
Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the second time after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in a gripping and controversial final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The fiercely contested showdown ended scoreless after 90 minutes, with both sides showing defensive solidity and allowing few clear chances. Morocco nearly broke the deadlock late in normal time when they were awarded a penalty following a disputed decision, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a decisive save to keep his side in the game.
The turning point came early in extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye fired a thunderous shot from outside the penalty area that beat the Moroccan keeper and sent Senegalese fans into raptures. Senegal then showed composure and resilience to protect their lead until the final whistle.
Celebrations erupted as Senegal was crowned champions of AFCON 2025, with the tournament concluding in January 2026. The victory secured Senegal’s second continental title, adding to their historic first triumph in Cameroon in 2021.
Throughout the tournament, Senegal demonstrated their rising dominance in African football, blending tactical discipline, mental strength, and decisive moments of individual brilliance.
For Morocco, the defeat was heartbreaking on home soil after an impressive journey to the final. Nonetheless, the hosts earned plaudits for their organisation, intensity, and competitive spirit as they chased a first AFCON title in more than five decades.
An emotional highlight followed the match as 33-year-old Sadio Mané featured in his final AFCON appearance. In a touching show of respect, team captains Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly invited the former Liverpool and current Al Nassr star to lift the trophy first. Mané held it high as his teammates looked on in admiration.
The final delivered a spectacle worthy of the occasion, offering neutral fans a hard-fought contest filled with passion, physicality, and determination. Morocco aimed to end a 50-year title drought, while Senegal pursued a second crown, raising the stakes even higher.
Pape Gueye was named Man of the Match, while Sadio Mané earned the Player of the Tournament award. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, followed by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen with four. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou was voted Best Goalkeeper, and the host nation received the Fair Play Team award. No honours were presented for Young Player of the Tournament or Best Goal.
With this success, Senegal now has two AFCON titles to their name, while Morocco remains on one. The next Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, christened PAMOJA 2027
Senegal’s latest triumph further reinforces their status among Africa’s football elite and adds another golden chapter to the illustrious history of the Lions of Teranga.