AFCON 2025: Senegal Crowned Kings of Africa After Dramatic Rabat Final
Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time in a gripping Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
The decisive moment came just three minutes into added time when Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area, sending the Senegalese bench into wild celebrations and silencing a packed stadium that had hoped for a long-awaited home triumph.
Morocco had the chance to settle the contest in regulation time after being awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, but Edouard Mendy denied Brahim Diaz’s effort to keep the score level.
The final had been finely balanced throughout, with Senegal starting brighter and Morocco pressing relentlessly after the break, yet neither side could find a breakthrough in normal time.
Senegal’s resilience and composure ultimately proved decisive. Gueye’s strike, set up by Sadio Mané’s clever back-heel and Idrissa Gana Gueye’s incisive pass, gave the Teranga Lions the edge.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Diaz and Youssef En-Nesyri both going close, but Mendy and Senegal’s defence held firm to secure a historic victory.
The triumph marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their maiden win in 2021, and reaffirms their place among the continent’s elite. For Morocco, the wait for a first continental crown in more than five decades continues.
