Senegal have won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift their second continental title.

The final was largely incident-free until stoppage time of normal time, when Ismaila Sarr believed he had secured victory for Senegal with a header. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo ruled out the goal for what was judged to be a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

Minutes later, controversy deepened as Morocco were awarded a penalty for a contentious challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked furious reactions from the Senegal bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw angrily instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest of the officiating.

Sadio Mané was the only Senegal player to remain on the field as the match was delayed for approximately 16 minutes. He later went into the dressing room to plead with his teammates to return, and play eventually resumed.

Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting a Panenka, but the effort was saved, keeping Senegal level and forcing the match into extra time.

In extra time, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal, firing Senegal ahead and sealing AFCON glory for the Teranga Lions.

Senegal claimed the title in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, prevailing against all odds to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

The triumph marked a special moment for Sadio Mané, as it was his final AFCON appearance, ending his international tournament career by lifting the trophy. It was also a defining achievement for head coach Pape Thiaw, who was part of Senegal’s squad that finished runners-up at the 2002 AFCON. In 2025, he guided the nation to continental glory as head coach.

For Morocco, it was heartbreak. Brahim Diaz was left in tears after the final whistle, with images showing him being confronted by head coach Walid Regragui following the defeat. Regragui himself was a member of the Morocco squad that lost the 2004 AFCON final to Tunisia, and in 2025 suffered another final defeat, this time against Senegal.

Awards — 2025 AFCON Final

Man of the Match: Pape Gueye 🇸🇳

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Yassine Bounou 🇲🇦

Golden Boot Winner: Brahim Diaz 🇲🇦

Player of the Tournament: Sadio Mané 🇸🇳

For Moroccan football fans, the defeat added to growing anguish, marking a third continental final loss on home soil since 2022:

2–1 loss to South Africa — July 23, 2022 (2022 WAFCON Final)

3–2 loss to Nigeria — July 26, 2025 (2024 WAFCON Final)

1–0 loss to Senegal — January 18, 2025 (2025 AFCON Final)

A night of glory for Senegal, and one of deep frustration for the hosts.