Senegal Triumphs Over Morocco in Dramatic AFCON 2025 Final After Controversial Penalty and Extra-Time Winner

Senegal has been crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions following an unforgettable and controversial 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The decisive moment came in extra time when Pape Gueye struck a stunning winner just four minutes into added play, completing a dramatic climax to the tournament.

A Final Filled with Drama and Controversy

The AFCON final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent history, featuring multiple contentious incidents in regulation time:

Senegal thought they had taken the lead, but a goal in stoppage time was wrongly disallowed following a foul call.

Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 90+8’ minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Brahim Díaz in the box — sparking outrage from Senegal players and fans.

In protest, Senegal’s manager instructed his players to leave the pitch, leading to a tense moment before the game resumed.

Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, but in a bold move, he attempted a Panenka-style shot that lacked power and placement — allowing Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to make an easy save and keep the score level.

Extra-Time Heroics: Gueye Becomes the Match Winner

With regulation time drawn and tension high, the match entered extra time, and three minutes into the added period, Senegal seized their moment. After Sadio Mané won possession in midfield, he found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who slipped the ball to his teammate Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou helpless and sending Senegal into ecstasy.

This dramatic goal secured Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions — their first having come in 2022 — and capped a tournament filled with tactical battles and emotional highs.

Resilience and Silverware for Senegal

Despite the swirling controversy and emotional twists, Senegal’s resilience stood out. The team managed the closing stages expertly, absorbing pressure from Morocco and holding onto their extra-time advantage until the final whistle.

Senegal’s victory not only solidifies their position as one of Africa’s strongest national teams but also sets the stage for further international ambitions as they prepare for future competitions, including the World Cup.

AFCON 2025 Final Minute-by-Minute Highlights

90+3’ – Senegal had a goal disallowed following a corner.

90+8’ – Morocco awarded a late stoppage-time penalty.

90+13’ – Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest.

90+24’ – Brahim Díaz’s missed Panenka penalty kept the score level.

94’ – Pape Gueye strikes a sublime extra-time winner to lift the AFCON trophy for Senegal.

Final Score: Senegal 1–0 Morocco (After Extra Time)

Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final

Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

Winning Goal: Pape Gueye (94’)