Senegal have been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
The highly charged final delivered controversy, tension and unforgettable moments, as the Teranga Lions overcame late drama to lift Africa’s most prestigious football trophy for the second time in their history.
The match took a dramatic turn in the eighth minute of added time when referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo of DR Congo awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review. The official ruled that El Hadji Malick Diouf had pulled Brahim Diaz by the neck during a corner kick.
The decision infuriated Senegal’s players and officials, leading to a heated confrontation involving Moroccan players and the referee. In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch, causing play to be suspended.
The standoff lasted about 13 minutes before captain Sadio Mane stepped in to calm the situation and convinced his teammates to return to the field.
Morocco were handed a golden chance to win the title from the penalty spot, but Brahim Diaz missed the kick, sending relief through the Senegal camp and silencing the home crowd.
The missed penalty proved decisive as Senegal regrouped and forced the game into extra time.
In extra time, the 2021 AFCON champions showed composure and resilience, stunning Morocco with the decisive goal that sealed the AFCON 2025 title.
The victory capped an impressive tournament run for Senegal, who once again demonstrated their strength, discipline and experience on the continental stage.
The dramatic finale will go down as one of the most controversial and emotional AFCON finals in recent history, while Senegal’s triumph further confirms their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
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