Senegal were crowned champions of Africa on Sunday night after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic and controversial final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat. Playing before a packed and partisan crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Teranga Lions secured the title on Moroccan soil, marking a historic triumph that underlined their status as one of the continent’s most resilient and tactically disciplined sides. The final, which ended goalless after 90 minutes, was eventually decided deep into extra time following a tense encounter shaped as much by controversy as by quality football.
The match unfolded cautiously in regulation time, with both teams showing respect for each other and prioritizing defensive solidity. Morocco enjoyed spells of possession and home support, while Senegal relied on their physical presence and counterattacking threat. Clear-cut chances were limited, and neither side managed to break the deadlock during normal time.
However, the contest took a dramatic turn late in stoppage time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, a decision that immediately sparked anger and disbelief among Senegalese players.
The penalty decision triggered chaotic scenes inside the stadium as Senegal players surrounded the referee in protest, arguing against the call. Play was halted for several minutes as tensions escalated, with heated exchanges involving players, officials, and coaching staff.
In an unprecedented moment, players from both teams briefly walked off the pitch amid the confusion, prompting match officials and security personnel to intervene in order to restore calm and ensure the game could continue. The atmosphere inside the stadium became increasingly charged, with whistles and protests echoing from the stands as the delay dragged on.
When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty deep into stoppage time, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a crucial save, denying Diaz’s attempted Panenka.
The miss further heightened emotions, with Senegal players celebrating wildly while frustration rippled through the Moroccan side and home supporters. The save proved decisive, as regulation time ended goalless moments later, forcing the final into extra time amid visible tension and exhaustion on both sides.
Senegal found the breakthrough in the 94th minute of extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner, silencing the home crowd and giving the West African side a vital lead. Morocco responded with urgency, pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The hosts came close on several occasions, hitting the crossbar and forcing late saves from Mendy, but Senegal’s defense held firm under sustained pressure to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
The match lasted well beyond its scheduled time due to repeated stoppages, protests, VAR consultations, and crowd unrest, making it one of the longest and most contentious finals in recent AFCON history. Despite the controversy, Senegal’s victory was ultimately sealed by composure in key moments, a decisive extra-time goal, and a crucial penalty save. Winning the title in Rabat against the host nation, the Teranga Lions emerged as African champions in a final that will be remembered for its drama, intensity, and the heated debates it is likely to spark long after the tournament’s conclusion.