Senegal Beat Morocco in Extra Time to Win Second AFCON Title

Senegal claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The final was filled with tension and controversy, particularly in the closing stages of regulation time. In the eighth minute of added time, Moroccan midfielder Brahim Diaz went down in the penalty area during a corner kick after contact with Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. Following a VAR review, DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded a penalty to the hosts.

The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and officials, with head coach Pape Thiaw leading his team off the pitch amid heated exchanges involving the referee and Moroccan players. The standoff lasted for about 13 minutes before Senegal captain Sadio Mane intervened to persuade his teammates to return to the field.

Morocco were handed a golden chance to secure the title from the penalty spot, but Diaz failed to convert, sending his effort wide and allowing Senegal to survive the late scare and force extra time.

The Teranga Lions capitalised on their reprieve moments into extra time. In the fourth minute, Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning long-range strike after a swift counter-attack led by Mane, silencing the home crowd and putting Senegal ahead.

Senegal then displayed defensive resilience and composure to see out the remainder of extra time, denying Morocco any clear route back into the match.

The victory secured Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces and bringing heartbreak to the host nation in a final marked by late drama and high emotion.