Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf has shared his delight after helping the Teranga Lions clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in memorable fashion.
Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 in a tense final, with the decisive moment arriving in extra time.
After Brahim Díaz failed to convert a panenka penalty during regulation, Pape Gueye struck a stunning extra-time winner to seal victory for the West Africans.
The triumph marks Senegal’s second AFCON crown, adding to their maiden title won in 2021 in Cameroon, where they defeated Egypt in the final.
For Diouf, lifting the trophy was a deeply emotional milestone, as it represented his first AFCON success.
“It was just amazing. It was a dream. For me, for the people, for my country, for my family also, because they were waiting for that moment [to win the AFCON],” the West Ham United defender told Sky Sports.
On the club level, the Hammers are struggling in the Premier League and currently sit in 18th position with 20 points.
However, Diouf insists his major aim is to see the side stay in the topflight at the end of the season,” he said.
“I only have one goal right now, before the end of the season, is to keep West Ham in the Premier League.
“Only that. I will put all my energy for this team because they don’t deserve to go down.
“They [the fans] don’t deserve it. So, I will put all the energy that I have. What I don’t have, I will go to work and bring it for the team.”
