Rabat, Morocco — Senegal claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, securing their second continental title in five years after an absorbing and controversial final in Rabat.
The match was marked by intense late drama, including a temporary walkout by Senegalese players in protest during stoppage time, following a series of contentious refereeing decisions.
Senegal enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and created the clearest chance of the first half shortly before the break when Cherif Ndiaye was set up by Nicolas Jackson, but his effort was well saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The Teranga Lions maintained a compact and disciplined shape, registering two shots on target before halftime, while Morocco struggled to create any meaningful attacking threat prior to the interval.
Senegal resumed the second half in dominant fashion, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Morocco’s best opportunity came in the 57th minute when Youssef En-Nesyri broke through on goal, but his effort drifted wide with only Édouard Mendy to beat.
The contest descended into controversy in the closing moments of regulation time. A Senegalese goal was disallowed for a foul before the referee awarded Morocco a highly disputed penalty minutes later. Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé’s successor, Habib Thiaw, instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, with play resuming approximately 20 minutes later.
Morocco failed to capitalise on the penalty opportunity as Brahim Díaz’s attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Mendy, bringing regulation time to a goalless conclusion.
Extra time produced the breakthrough. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye struck a superb goal to put Senegal ahead, sending the Senegalese bench and supporters into celebration.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser, with En-Nesyri heading narrowly wide before the interval of extra time, while Nayef Aguerd came closest in the second half when his header crashed against the crossbar.
Senegal also missed chances to extend their lead, with Bounou producing a fine save to deny Ndiaye when he was through on goal.
Despite late pressure, Senegal held firm to seal a historic victory, lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the second time in five years and further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.
