iDeemlawfulSenegal were crowned African champions for the second time after a dramatic and controversy-laden 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final played in Rabat.
The highly charged encounter between Africa’s two highest-ranked teams was settled by a moment of individual brilliance, but the match was largely defined by intense protests and unprecedented scenes.
Tension reached its height deep into second-half stoppage time with the score still goalless. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz.
The ruling angered the Senegalese technical crew, who were still frustrated over an earlier disallowed goal that did not receive a VAR check.
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Head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest. However, captain Sadio Mané intervened, calming his teammates and guiding them back onto the field.
From the awarded spot kick, Díaz attempted a panenka, but goalkeeper Édouard Mendy remained composed to make a straightforward save, sending the final into extra time.
The momentum shifted instantly. Four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye collected possession, powered past a challenge and unleashed a stunning long-range left-footed strike that curled into the top corner.
Morocco responded by committing men forward, rattling the crossbar and forcing a brilliant stop from Mendy, but Senegal stood firm to secure the AFCON 2025 title.