Senegal Claim AFCON Glory After Chaotic Final in Rabat
Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after a dramatic and controversial final against hosts Morocco, decided by a stunning extra-time strike from Pape Gueye following a night of VAR drama, protests, and late twists in Rabat.
The 2025 AFCON final looked set to drift into penalties until stoppage time chaos flipped the match on its head. Senegal had a late Ismaila Sarr goal ruled out, before Morocco were awarded a highly contentious penalty moments later, igniting scenes rarely witnessed on the African stage.
The tension escalated when Senegal players, furious at the decision, briefly walked off the pitch under the guidance of coach Pape Thiaw, only to return after intervention from captain Sadio Mane. The drama intensified further when Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s audacious penalty attempt, keeping the score level and pushing the contest into extra time.
Senegal arrived in Morocco chasing a second AFCON title in five years, having already established themselves as one of the continent’s dominant forces. Morocco, by contrast, were pursuing a first continental crown since 1976 on home soil, buoyed by their historic World Cup run and a long unbeaten competitive record in the country.
With both sides stacked with European-based talent and the stadium packed with expectant home supporters, the final carried enormous weight long before kickoff.
The opening exchanges were tense rather than expansive. Morocco enjoyed territorial control early on, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz heavily involved in the buildup, while Senegal remained compact and disciplined, looking to break through Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr.
The atmosphere inside the stadium crackled, but clear chances were scarce. Both midfields cancelled each other out, and goalkeepers were rarely tested as caution defined the first half.
The contest exploded into life late in the second half. Senegal thought they had won it in the 93rd minute when Sarr finished clinically, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the buildup after VAR intervention.
Seconds later, VAR was again at the centre of attention as Morocco were awarded a penalty for a minor shirt pull inside the box. The decision sparked furious protests and led to Senegal briefly leaving the pitch, halting play for several minutes.
Brahim Diaz stepped up with the chance to decide the final but attempted a delicate Panenka, only for Edouard Mendy to read it perfectly and make a comfortable save. The miss deflated the home crowd and breathed new life into Senegal as the match moved into extra time.
The decisive moment arrived when Pape Gueye unleashed a superb strike from distance, beating the Moroccan goalkeeper and sending the Senegal bench into raptures. It was a goal worthy of settling such a turbulent final.
After the break, both sides struggled to impose themselves fully. Senegal grew more assertive as the game wore on, while Morocco appeared increasingly anxious under the weight of expectation. Substitutions brought fresh energy but little composure, with decision-making deteriorating as pressure mounted.
Even after Gueye’s goal, Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, throwing bodies forward and testing Senegal’s resolve. The defending champions held firm, absorbing pressure and managing the final moments with experience and composure.
Senegal’s victory secured another chapter in their modern golden era, underlined by leadership from Sadio Mane and resilience in the face of extraordinary adversity. For Morocco, it was a night of heartbreak that will linger long after the final whistle.
As the dust settles on one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history, Senegal lift the trophy once again, while African football is left to reflect on a finale that will be debated for years to come.