In a final that will be etched in African football history for its sheer drama, controversy, and resilience, Senegal defied the odds and a hostile atmosphere to defeat hosts Morocco 1-0 and lift the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 trophy.
A stunning extra-time strike from Pape Gueye settled a chaotic encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, delivering the Lions of Teranga their second continental crown. But the match will largely be remembered for the unprecedented scenes in stoppage time, where a disputed penalty led to a Senegalese walk-off, only for the defending champions to return and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
A Final on a Knife-Edge
For 90 minutes, the match was a tense tactical battle. Morocco, buoyed by a raucous home crowd of over 66,000, sought to end a 50-year wait for the title. Senegal, appearing in their fourth final, looked to reclaim the crown they first won in 2021.
Both sides had their chances. Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd narrowly missed a header, while Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by a brilliant save from Yassine Bounou. However, as the clock ticked into stoppage time, the game exploded into controversy.
The Walk-Off and the Panenka
The drama began in the 92nd minute when Senegal thought they had won it. Ismaila Sarr nodded home a rebound after an Abdoulaye Seck header hit the post, but the referee had already blown his whistle for a soft foul on Achraf Hakimi, ruling the goal out.
Moments later, the script flipped. Following a VAR review, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the dying seconds of stoppage time for a tug by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. Incensed by what they perceived as biased officiating, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch.
For nearly 20 minutes, the final hung in limbo. It took the intervention of senior players, including Sadio Mané, to persuade the squad to return and finish the game.
When play finally resumed in the 24th minute of stoppage time, Morocco’s star of the tournament, Brahim Diaz who had already secured the Golden Boot with five goals stepped up to win it for the hosts. He attempted an audacious Panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood his ground, calmly catching the chip and sending the game into extra time.
Gueye’s Golden Moment
The penalty miss seemed to drain the energy from the Atlas Lions while galvanizing Senegal. Just four minutes into extra time (94’), the decisive moment arrived.
Following a clever back-heel from Sadio Mané and a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye, midfielder Pape Gueye drove forward. Showing immense composure, the Villarreal man unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive from the edge of the box that flew past Bounou into the top corner.
“I am very happy to score in the final, and most importantly, the Senegal national team now has a second star,” Pape Gueye, the TotalEnergies Man of the Match, said after the game. “After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused… and showed Senegalese football.”
Heartbreak for the Hosts
Morocco threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Nayef Aguerd rattled the crossbar with a header, and Youssef En-Nesyri fired agonizingly wide, but the Senegalese defense, marshaled by Mendy, held firm.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations for Senegal, who have now established themselves as the continent’s dominant force, winning two of the last three AFCON titles. For Morocco, it was a night of “what ifs,” as their dream of a home victory ended in heartbreak.
Sadio Mané was named the Player of the Tournament, orchestrating his team’s attack and leadership throughout the campaign.
Final Score: Senegal 1 – 0 Morocco (AET)
Goal: Pape Gueye (94’)
