Football, at its very best and worst, was on full display as Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. This was not just a final; it was a football spectacle layered with tension, emotion, controversy, and moments that will be debated for years. If AFCON is known for drama, then this final may well be one of its defining chapters.
Played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the atmosphere was electric from kickoff. Morocco, playing on home soil, carried the weight of a nation desperate to relive continental glory. Senegal, on the other hand, arrived with calm confidence a team that has learned how to win the hard way.
After 120 exhausting minutes, it was Pape Gueye’s thunderous strike in extra time that separated the two sides and handed Senegal their second AFCON title, following their maiden triumph in 2021. But the scoreline alone does not even begin to tell the story of what unfolded.
A Final that refused to be Simple
From the opening whistle, this was a chess match. Morocco dominated possession, probing patiently, while Senegal remained compact, disciplined, and dangerous on the break. Chances were rare, tackles were heavy, and every duel felt like a final within a final.
By halftime, the scoreboard remained untouched, but the tension had doubled. You could sense something dramatic was brewing and football did not disappoint.
The second half followed a similar script. Morocco pushed, Senegal resisted. Goalkeepers were alert, defenders threw themselves into blocks, and every misplaced pass drew groans from the stands. Ninety minutes passed with no breakthrough, but the real chaos was only just beginning.
The incident that changed everything
Deep into stoppage time, Senegal thought they had finally won it. The ball found the back of the net, celebrations erupted only for the referee to rule the goal out for a foul in the build-up. That decision alone would have been controversial, but what followed turned the final upside down.
Moments later, after a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, judging that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Díaz inside the box. The decision sparked fury among the Senegalese players and bench.
In a scene rarely seen at this level, Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest, bringing the final to a standstill for nearly 15 minutes. Fans were confused, stewards were overwhelmed, and the tension inside the stadium reached boiling point. It felt less like a football match and more like a political standoff.
It took leadership particularly from Sadio Mané, who urged calm and responsibility for Senegal to return and allow the match to continue. Whether you agreed with the protest or not, it was a moment that showed just how emotionally charged African football can be.
Penalty drama and redemption
When play finally resumed, Brahim Díaz stepped up for Morocco with the chance to win the AFCON title in front of his home fans. The stadium fell silent. What followed stunned everyone.
Díaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty bold, daring, but disastrously misplaced. Edouard Mendy, calm and composed, read it perfectly and made a comfortable save. In that moment, momentum completely shifted.
That miss felt like a turning point, not just in the match, but psychologically. Morocco looked shaken. Senegal looked reborn.
Pape Gueye’s moment of destiny
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck. Pape Gueye, who had been quietly commanding the midfield all night, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. The ball flew past the Moroccan goalkeeper and into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of a final clean, fierce, and perfectly timed.
From there, Senegal defended like champions. Morocco threw everything forward, even hitting the crossbar through Nayef Aguerd, but it was not their night. When the final whistle blew, Senegal collapsed to the turf in disbelief and joy, while Morocco were left staring into the void of another missed opportunity.
Man of the match
While official confirmations were delayed, one name stood above the rest: Pape Gueye. His match-winning goal, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure made him the standout performer on the night. In a final full of chaos, Gueye was clarity.
What people are saying on X
On X (formerly Twitter), the reaction was instant and explosive.
- #SenegalChampions trended worldwide as fans celebrated what many called a “warrior’s victory.”
Senegalese supporters praised their team’s resilience, especially after the penalty controversy.Many neutral fans labelled the match “pure AFCON” unpredictable, emotional, and unforgettable.The officiating dominated discussions, with divided opinions on the penalty decision and the walk-off protest.Pape Gueye’s goal was widely described as “iconic” and “one of the coldest moments in AFCON history.”
Final thoughts
This AFCON final was not perfect football but it was real football. It showed the beauty and the madness of the African game. Senegal didn’t just win because of a goal; they won because they survived pressure, controversy, and emotional extremes.
Morocco will feel robbed. Senegal will feel vindicated. And the rest of Africa will remember this final for a very long time.
One thing is certain: AFCON 2025 delivered a final that will never be forgotten.