Senegal’s triumph over hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final was built on a familiar football maxim popularised by José Mourinho: finals are not played, they are won.
In Rabat, Senegal embraced that philosophy to perfection, edging Morocco 1–0 after extra time to claim their second continental title and extend the hosts’ long wait for African glory.
A final decided by discipline, not dominance
Morocco entered the final on the back of a formidable defensive record and strong home support, while Senegal arrived with a squad rich in tournament experience. The match unfolded as a tense tactical battle, with both sides prioritising structure over spectacle.
Senegal showed early attacking intent, going close on two occasions in the first half, while Morocco relied on swift counter-attacks and numerical superiority in transition. Despite the intensity, the opening period ended goalless, reflecting the fine margins that often define finals.
Controversy and composure at the turning point
The decisive moments arrived late in regulation time. Senegal saw a stoppage-time goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up, before Morocco were awarded a penalty moments later.
Brahim Díaz’s miss proved pivotal. Rather than unravel, Senegal displayed the composure associated with experienced champions, regaining control emotionally and tactically as the match moved into extra time.
Experience makes the difference
As fatigue and pressure mounted, Senegal’s familiarity with winning AFCON became increasingly evident. Ten members of their squad were part of the 2021 title-winning team, including Édouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mané.
That collective memory allowed them to manage the final stages with clarity, even as Morocco struggled to rediscover attacking rhythm.
One strike, one title
The breakthrough came in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that beat Yassine Bounou.
It was a goal emblematic of Senegal’s approach: decisive, ruthless and perfectly timed. Gueye’s strike sealed the title and underlined why Senegal, guided by Mourinho-style thinking, once again proved masters of winning when it mattered most.
