An incredible goal from Pape Gueye was all the Teranga Lions of Senegal needed to defeat the host, Atlas Lions of Morocco, at the 2025 African Cup of Nations final, and claimed glory in extra time in Rabat.
Senegal on Sunday night defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat,
The match played on Sunday night was marred by controversy, prolonged stoppages, and players briefly leaving the pitch.
The dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was interrupted late in regulation time, after a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco, following a VAR review, which sparked protests from Senegal players.
The penalty, awarded deep into stoppage time, led to chaotic scenes, as players of Senegal surrounded the referee, with play halted for several minutes.
Players from both teams eventually walked off the pitch before returning after intervention by match officials and security personnel.
It is noteworthy to mention here that Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a penalty kick advantage, as Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy saved his attempted Panenka, which further escalated tensions inside the stadium.
After regulation time ended goalless, the match proceeded to extra time during which Senegal took the lead in the 94th minute, when Gueye struck a powerful long-range effort into the top corner.
The host pushed for an equaliser, hitting the crossbar and forcing late saves, but Senegal held on to secure victory in a final that saw extended delays, heated exchanges, and repeated VAR interventions.
The match lasted well beyond the scheduled time due to stoppages caused by protests, referee consultations, and crowd unrest.
Senegal’s win crowned them African champions, after one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in recent AFCON history, played before a packed home crowd in Rabat.
It is their second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions, after they had defeated the Faraohs of Egypt on penalties in Yaounde in 2022 to win the trophy for the first time in their history.
