Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after a tense 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a dramatic final played on Sunday night in Rabat.
The clash between Africa’s two highest-ranked teams was fiercely contested, with both sides cancelling each other out in a goalless first half.
The second half appeared headed for a stalemate until Senegal thought they had taken the lead, only for Ismaila Sarr’s header to be ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.
Late drama followed in the 97th minute when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. The decision sparked protests from Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch. When play resumed, Brahim Díaz’s attempted panenka was brilliantly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The decisive moment came in the first half of extra time as Pape Gueye produced a sublime left-footed strike to stun the Atlas Lions and seal the trophy for Senegal, crowning them champions of Africa once again.
