Senegal Win Second AFCON Title In Six Years After Controversial Extra-Time Victory Over Morocco
Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in six years after defeating hosts Morocco in a dramatic and controversy-filled final in Rabat.
The 2025 AFCON showpiece turned chaotic late in regulation when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute following a VAR review that ruled Moussa Diouf had fouled Brahim DÃaz inside the box.
Senegal’s players and coaching staff erupted in protest, with head coach Aliou Thiaw ordering his team to walk off the pitch. The frustration was heightened by an earlier incident when Senegal had a goal disallowed for an alleged push on Achraf Hakimi, a decision made without VAR, sparking claims of inconsistent officiating.
As tensions escalated, several Senegal players began heading toward the tunnel, threatening to abandon the match, but captain Sadio Mané stepped in to rally his teammates back onto the field.
Play eventually resumed, with Édouard Mendy returning to goal as DÃaz prepared to take the penalty. The Moroccan striker attempted a panenka, only for Mendy to stay composed and collect the ball, a pivotal moment that shifted momentum in Senegal’s favour.
In extra time, Senegal seized their opportunity. Pape Gueye struck a sensational long-range effort in the fourth minute of added time, sending the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper and silencing the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco failed to respond, allowing Senegal to hold on for victory. The win secured their second AFCON title in six years, in a final remembered as much for its controversy and tension as for Gueye’s decisive strike.
