Senegal have won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in a thrilling final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday, Bold Sports reports.
A tense encounter saw the contest pushed into extra time after Édouard Mendy produced a crucial last-minute penalty save, keeping the match goalless. Minutes into the additional period, Pape Gueye struck the winning goal, sealing the Teranga Lions’ second continental crown.
Despite missing some key players including captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta who was injured during the warm-up, Senegal made a bright start to the match and got an early chance with a brilliant curling delivery from Lamine Camara picking out Pape Gueye at the back post.
The midfielder headed the ball towards goal from close range but Yassine Bounou made a vital stop, preventing an early setback for the hosts. At the other end, Morocco also went close as Abde Ezzalzouli put in a dangerous cross into the box, but Malick Diouf was able to clear the ball.
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In the 14th minute, Morocco had another opportunity after a fast break. Ismael Saibari was however unable to finish, as his effort went well wide. The hosts were almost gifted a goal seven minutes later as Ayoub El Kaabi stole the ball from Idrissa Gueye before passing to Saibari who could not convert once again.
Senegal had the biggest chance of the first half in the 38th minute as Ndiaye was released into acres of space by a lovely pass from Nicolas Jackson. The Everton star looked set to break the deadlock, hitting his shot low and on target, but Bounou made a fantastic save with his leg to keep the scoreline level.
Morocco made a much-improved start to the second half and had a huge opportunity to score in the 58th minute as Bilal El Khannouss played a wonderful pass to El Kaabi. However, the striker’s finish went narrowly wide, much to the disbelief of the home supporters.
Few minutes after the hour mark, a clash of heads between El Aynaoui and Diouf saw the game paused for over 10 minutes. Although the Moroccan midfielder came out worse, he continued to play with his head bandaged up.
17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye came close to breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute, but his shot from the edge of the box was saved by Bounou. Few minutes later, Senegal thought they had scored from a corner, but the goal was not given after a push in the build-up.
Seconds to full time, drama erupted as Morocco were awarded a penalty after Malick Diouf committed a foul in the box. A VAR check confirmed the spot-kick but the game had to be halted due to Senegal fans attempting to storm the pitch, while objects were being thrown.
Riot police jumped into the Senegal fans and people were being dragged off the pitch. Missiles were being thrown. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw also appeared to tell his players to leave the pitch before Sadio Mane called them back out for the penalty to be taken.
After a long pause, Brahim Diaz took the spot-kick and missed, attempting a panenka which was easily saved by Mendy, sending the game into extra time. Few minutes into extra time, Senegal found the back of the net as Pape Gueye hit a powerful shot into the top corner after a brilliant counter attack, making the scores 1-0.
The second half of extra time saw several chances from both sides missed. Morocco hit the woodwork while Bounou made series of impressive saves to deny Senegal from extending their advantage. Despite the Atlas Lions pushing desperately for a late equaliser, the Teranga Lions held onto their lead to beat the hosts and secure a second AFCON trophy.
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