Senegal are the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions after a dramatic and tense 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Teranga Lions survived a chaotic finale, including a late penalty controversy, to lift their second continental crown.
They lifted their hero. He lifted the trophy. Senegal’s dream, led by Mané. 🇸🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/dulw6TCEY3
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
The first half offered glimpses of what was to come. In the 6th minute, Pape Gueye rose highest from a corner, only for his header to be brilliantly saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper Bono.
Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye also had a golden opportunity in the 38th minute, latching onto a precise pass and firing a low shot from one-on-one, but Bono reacted superbly to keep the ball out. Morocco, meanwhile, came close on several occasions.
Ayoub El Kaabi’s 58th-minute strike narrowly missed the left post, and Abde Ezzalzouli was denied from point-blank range in the 81st minute by Edouard Mendy’s brilliant save.
The drama escalated deep into stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, Senegal thought they had scored, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck.
Moments later, a Moroccan player went down in the penalty area, sparking a VAR review that eventually awarded a penalty. Chaos ensued as Senegal’s players and technical staff protested the decision, with some leaving the pitch entirely. Security intervened to restore order, and Sadio Mane managed to rally his teammates back onto the field.
Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty in the 90+24th minute, but Mendy made a sensational save, staying on his line deny Diaz panenka goal.
Just minutes later, Pape Gueye delivered the decisive blow. In the 94th minute, he weaved past defenders before unleashing a magnificent strike from the edge of the box into the top-right corner, leaving Bono with no chance. Senegal had taken the lead, and despite Morocco’s efforts, they held on to claim a memorable victory.
THE SECOND STAR WRITTEN IN GOLD! ⭐️⭐️
Senegal, the Champions of Africa. 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/OD9HcUpHM3
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Senegal’s triumph marks their second AFCON title, following their maiden success in 2021. It was a final filled with tension, controversy, and heroics, with Edouard Mendy and Pape Gueye emerging as the standout performers in a match that will be remembered for years to come.
