Senegal were crowned African champions on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a stormy Africa Cup of Nations final overshadowed by controversy, prolonged stoppages and a dramatic late penalty incident.
Played before a packed home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the 2025 final descended into chaos deep into stoppage time of regulation after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review. Senegal’s players reacted furiously, surrounding the official as protests raged and play was halted for several minutes.
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The situation escalated when players from both sides briefly left the pitch amid security intervention and appeals from match officials. When order was restored and play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka from the spot — only for Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to read the kick and save comfortably, triggering further tension inside the stadium.
Regulation time ended goalless, but the charged atmosphere carried into extra time. Senegal struck decisively in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning long-range effort that flew into the top corner, silencing the Rabat crowd and giving the holders a crucial breakthrough.
Morocco responded with urgency, rattling the crossbar and forcing late saves as they searched desperately for an equaliser. Despite sustained pressure and further stoppages, Senegal’s defence held firm to see out the contest.
The final ran well beyond its scheduled duration as repeated VAR consultations, protests and crowd unrest disrupted the flow of the game, adding to what many observers described as one of the most dramatic and controversial AFCON finals in recent memory.
For Senegal, the victory represents a defining triumph — achieved under immense pressure, in hostile territory, and amid extraordinary circumstances. For Morocco, it was a bitter end to a home tournament that promised glory but unravelled in a night of high drama and heartbreak.
The scenes in Rabat will be debated long after the trophy presentation, but the result stands: Senegal are Africa’s champions once again, emerging victorious from a final that will be remembered as much for its chaos as for its decisive moments.
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