Senegal beat hosts Morocco to roar to AFCON 2025 glory

RABAT, Morocco

Senegal roared to continental glory on Sunday, defeating Morocco 1–0 after extra time to claim the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

The Teranga Lions’ triumph was sealed by a brilliant strike from Pape Gueye early in extra time, sending Senegal into ecstasy and leaving the Atlas Lions stunned.

The final had been a tense, tactical battle over 90 minutes.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with defences and goalkeepers dominating the action.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz came close in stoppage time, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a stunning save from a penalty to keep the scores level and push the match into extra time.

It was in the 94th minute of extra time that Gueye stepped up. With composure and skill, he danced past defenders and fired a superb strike into the top right corner, proving decisive in a match full of drama and emotion.

Senegal’s captain Sadio Mane and the rest of the Teranga Lions held firm, repelling Morocco’s desperate late efforts, including a shot that rattled the crossbar.

This victory gives Senegal their second AFCON title, their first since 2021, and cements the Teranga Lions as one of Africa’s most formidable sides.

The final will be remembered not only for the goal that decided it but for the tension, controversy, and resilience displayed by both teams on the biggest stage.

West African dominance was also evident on Saturday night, when the Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Egypt to claim third place, underscoring the region’s growing strength on the continental stage.