Senegal climbed back to the summit of African football, claiming their second continental crown after a dramatic and deeply controversial final against tournament hosts Morocco. The Africa Cup of Nations decider in Casablanca will be remembered not only for its intensity, but for a refereeing storm that threatened to derail the biggest night in African football.

After 90 minutes of tense, physical football, the score remained 0–0 — but the real drama exploded in stoppage time. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a highly contentious penalty against Senegal, sparking outrage among the Lions of Teranga. Players surrounded the official, some appeared ready to walk off the pitch, while chaos spilled into the stands as supporters attempted to invade the field.

After prolonged delays, the penalty was finally taken in the 114th minute of total elapsed time in the half. Brahim Diaz stepped up, attempting a bold panenka to win the title for Morocco. But Edouard Mendy read it perfectly. The Chelsea goalkeeper barely moved, calmly catching the ball and instantly turning Morocco’s star into the tragic figure of the final.

The emotional swing proved decisive. In extra time, Senegal struck first blood. On 94 minutes, Pape Gueye fired home the winning goal — the first time Senegal had ever scored from open play in an AFCON final.

Morocco threw everything forward in search of salvation, and came agonisingly close when Nayef Aguerd saw his effort crash against the crossbar. It was as close as the hosts would come.

At the final whistle, tears flowed in the stands and on the pitch. Senegal stood tall once more as champions of Africa, defending their continental honour with resilience, courage and nerve. For Morocco, it was a night of heartbreak — a final defined by fine margins, fierce controversy and unforgettable drama.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal - Morocco 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Gueye I., 94 (1:0)

Senegal: Mendy Ed.; Sarr; Niakhaté; Mendy An. (Seck A., 77); Gueye P.A.; Gueye I.; Camara L. (Sarr Is., 77); Mane Sa.; Diouf Mal.; Jackson N. (Ndiaye, 90); Ndiaye Il. (Mbaye, 77)
Substitution: Seck A. (from 77); Sarr Is. (from 77); Mbaye (from 77); Ndiaye (from 90)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Diaw M.; Jakobs I.; Camara M.; Ciss P.; Sarr P.; Sabaly C.; Niang Ou.; Dia B.; Diallo H.
Yellow Cards: Camara L. 24; Mendy Ed. 90; Sarr Is. 90; Diouf Mal. 90

Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi; Aguerd; Masina (El Yamiq, 89); Mazraoui; Diaz Br.; Saibari (Salah-Eddine, 90); Ezzalzouli; El Aynaoui; El Khannouss (Targhalline, 80); El Kaabi (En Nesyri, 80)
Substitution: Targhalline (from 80); En Nesyri (from 80); El Yamiq (from 89); Salah-Eddine (from 90)
Bench: Munir; Al Harrar; Chibi; Ait Boudlal; Belammari Youssef; Amrabat S.; Saiss; Akhomach; Rahimi S.; Talbi; Igamane
Yellow Cards: Salah-Eddine 90