Senegal on Sunday night defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in a tense and dramatic final played in Rabat. The victory earned Senegal their second AFCON trophy and confirmed their status as one of Africa’s strongest football nations in recent years.
The final brought together the two highest-ranked teams in Africa, according to FIFA rankings, and expectations were high among fans across the continent. Morocco, playing at home, were hoping to win their first AFCON title since 1976, while Senegal were aiming to add to the trophy they first won in 2021.
From the first whistle, the match lived up to its billing as a clash of giants. Both teams showed discipline, strength, and caution, knowing that one mistake could decide the final. Senegal relied on their solid defence and physical midfield, while Morocco looked to control possession and use their quick wingers to create chances.
The first half ended without a goal, but not without moments of tension. Chances were few and far between as both goalkeepers were rarely tested. Senegal’s defence, led by Kalidou Koulibaly, stood firm against Morocco’s attacking threats, including Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri. On the other hand, Morocco’s backline also did well to contain Senegal’s forwards, especially Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mané.
The second half was more open, with both teams pushing harder for a breakthrough. Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Ismaila Sarr headed the ball into the net. However, the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that Sarr had committed a foul on Morocco’s right-back, Achraf Hakimi. The decision sparked protests from Senegal’s players and bench, but the referee stood by his call.
As the match wore on, it appeared the final would end in a goalless draw and head straight to extra time. Morocco enjoyed more of the ball in the closing stages, urged on by their home fans, while Senegal focused on staying compact and hitting on the counter.
Deep into stoppage time, drama erupted. In the 97th minute, Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty after a challenge in the box. The decision caused chaos, as Senegal’s players surrounded the referee in protest. In a rare scene, some Senegal players even walked off the pitch briefly before being persuaded to return and continue the match.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, with the entire stadium holding its breath. Instead of a powerful shot, Diaz attempted a soft panenka down the middle. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, showing great composure and experience, stayed on his line and easily saved the effort. The miss stunned the Moroccan fans and gave Senegal a huge psychological boost.
The match then moved into extra time, and Senegal took full advantage of the moment. In the first half of extra time, midfielder Pape Gueye produced a moment of brilliance. After receiving the ball just outside the box, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that flew past the Moroccan goalkeeper and into the net. The goal silenced the Rabat crowd and sent Senegal’s players and supporters into wild celebration.
Morocco tried to respond in the remaining minutes, throwing men forward in search of an equaliser. However, Senegal defended bravely, with Mendy making a few important saves to protect their lead. When the final whistle blew, Senegal’s players dropped to the ground in joy, knowing they had achieved something special on hostile ground.
This victory is another major achievement for Senegal, who have been one of Africa’s most consistent teams over the past decade. After losing two AFCON finals in 2002 and 2019, they finally broke their curse by winning the 2021 tournament. The 2025 triumph confirms that their success was no fluke.
For Morocco, the defeat will be painful, especially as it came at home and after coming so close to winning the title. The Atlas Lions had high hopes following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African team to reach that stage. Despite the disappointment, Morocco’s performance throughout the tournament showed they remain a major force in African football.
For Nigerian football fans, the final was a reminder of the high level of competition on the continent. The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, will look to learn from the organisation, discipline, and mental strength shown by Senegal as they prepare for future tournaments.
As celebrations continue in Dakar and across Senegal, the 2025 AFCON final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the competition’s history, defined by controversy, tension, and a moment of pure quality that decided the fate of Africa’s biggest football prize.
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