Senegal Sunday became the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions after Pape Gueye scored a stunning extra-time goal to give them a 1–0 victory over hosts, Morocco, in a thrilling but tense-soaked final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga have now won the AFCON twice in three tournaments.
They also made history becoming the first national team in more than 40 years, to defeat the host nation in an AFCON final.
The final match played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was tense and dramatic, with both teams creating chances and fighting for control throughout the match.
Senegal, however, started the match as the better side.
Pape Gueye tested Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou early, while Iliman Ndiaye saw a low shot blocked.
At the other end, Ismael Saibari missed a good chance for the hosts.
Morocco came back very strong after the half-time.
Ayoub El Kaabi twice threatened Senegal’s defence with clever passes from Bilal El Khannouss.
A very long stoppage for an injury to Neil El Aynaoui, however, disrupted Morocco’s rhythm.
The closing minutes of normal time were controversial.
Idrissa Gana Gueye headed the ball into the net, but the referee had already stopped play for a foul.
Later, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz, but the Real Madrid winger did a Grable shot and failed to score, sending his shot straight into the hands of the Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
Extra time brought the decisive moment with lots of football pitch decorum thrown to the winds no thanks to the referee who lost control of the match quite early into the match.
Senegal broke quickly, and Pape Gueye shrugged off Achraf Hakimi before firing a brilliant left-foot strike into the top corner for the clincher.
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser but failed to materialise.
Nayef Aguerd however, hit the crossbar, and Bounou made a fine save from substitute Cherif Ndiaye, but Senegal’s defence held firm to seal a historic victory.
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé also made history, becoming the first coach to win both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the AFCON.
*Man of the Match: Pape Gueye (Senegal)
