Senegal Shock Morocco to Win 2025 AFCON Final in Dramatic Extra-Time
Senegal defeat hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic AFCON final, as Pape Gueye’s strike seals a historic second continental title for the Teranga Lions.
Senegal Stun Hosts Morocco to Lift 2025 AFCON Trophy
Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations crown in unforgettable fashion, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.
The Teranga Lions were crowned champions thanks to a sensational strike from Pape Gueye just four minutes into extra time. But the match will be remembered as much for its chaotic end to regulation time as for the winning goal.
Late in the second half, Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty after Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul. Furious at the decision, the West Africans briefly threatened to walk off the pitch. Sadio Mané stepped in, calming his teammates and urging them to continue. Moments later, the stadium fell silent as tournament star Brahim Díaz stepped up—only to miss the spot kick in almost comical fashion.
First-Half Control by Senegal
Senegal began brightly. Inside five minutes, Pape Gueye met a corner with a powerful header, forcing Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a sharp save.
The West Africans dominated possession in the opening half, silencing the home crowd and frustrating the Atlas Lions. Their best chance arrived in the 38th minute when Iliman Ndiaye broke free down the right and fired low toward the corner, only for Bounou to deny him with an outstanding outstretched-leg save.
Morocco struggled to involve key attackers Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari. Their only clear opportunity before the break came in the 41st minute when Abde Ezzalzouli crossed for Nayef Aguerd, but the defender’s header drifted off target.
Morocco Rally, Then Collapse
The hosts emerged with greater urgency after the interval and should have taken the lead just before the hour mark. Bilal El Khannouss delivered a perfect cross for Ayoub El Kaabi, but the striker somehow sent his effort wide from close range.
Senegal gradually regained control in the closing stages. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye tested Bounou with a fierce strike from the edge of the box in the final minute of normal time. Moments later, Senegal thought they had scored from a corner, only for the goal to be disallowed.
What followed was extraordinary: a penalty awarded to Morocco, prolonged protests, and Senegal’s brief threat to abandon the match. Mané’s intervention restored order—then Díaz’s miss changed the mood entirely.
Pape Gueye Delivers Glory
Morocco appeared mentally shaken by the penalty failure, and Senegal struck early in extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive that flew in off the underside of the crossbar, sending the Senegalese bench into raptures.
The hosts pushed desperately for an equaliser. In the 108th minute, Aguerd came agonisingly close with a header that crashed against the crossbar. It proved to be Morocco’s final warning shot.
Senegal held firm through the remaining minutes, managing the game expertly to secure a famous and bizarre victory on Moroccan soil.
Amid controversy, chaos, and moments of brilliance, the Teranga Lions emerged as champions—writing another golden chapter in Senegalese football history.
