By Chimdiogo Amuh 

RABAT — Senegal emerged champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic final decided in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Pape Gueye’s superb strike early in extra time proved decisive in a tense encounter overshadowed by controversy and crowd disturbances following a late penalty award.

Morocco had a golden opportunity to take the lead deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. However, the Real Madrid winger failed to capitalise, as Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy comfortably saved his chipped effort after a lengthy delay of nearly 20 minutes caused by protests.

The penalty decision, awarded by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, sparked furious reactions from both teams. Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, while some Senegal supporters attempted to invade the field, throwing objects before being restrained by security operatives.

Earlier, Senegal had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for a foul, further heightening tensions in a match that had been largely low on clear-cut chances.

Senegal finally broke the deadlock in the fourth minute of extra time. Sadio Mane initiated the move before Idrissa Gana Gueye released Pape Gueye, who held off Achraf Hakimi and fired a stunning shot into the top corner past Yassine Bounou.

Morocco pushed for an equaliser and came close when Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar in the second half of extra time, but Senegal held firm to seal victory.

The win marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in the last three editions, following their maiden triumph in 2022. It was also their first-ever goal scored in an AFCON final, having failed to score in their previous appearances at that stage.

For Morocco, the defeat ended hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil and securing a second continental title after a 50-year wait. Many home fans left the stadium before full time on a cold, wet night in Rabat.

Meanwhile, Senegal will now turn attention to the upcoming World Cup in the United States, amid uncertainty over whether star forward Sadio Mane will feature in future AFCON tournaments after indicating this final could be his last appearance.