Senegal crowned AFCON winners after dramatic extra-time win over Morocco

Senegal have been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging host nation Morocco 1–0 in a tense and dramatic extra-time final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.

The showdown was marred by controversy late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo of DR Congo ruled that El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick, a decision that sparked outrage among the Senegalese players.

In protest, the Teranga Lions briefly walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw after heated exchanges involving the referee and Moroccan players. The impasse lasted about 13 minutes before captain Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to return and continue the match.

Drama followed as Brahim Diaz failed to convert the controversial penalty, firing wide and allowing the final to head into extra time.

Senegal capitalised on the reprieve, stunning the home crowd in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike after a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Mané.

The Senegalese held their nerve for the remainder of the match to secure victory, claiming their second AFCON title in three tournaments and further cementing their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.