AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal 1-0 Morocco – LIVE UPDATES

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It’s all over in Rabat. Senegal have won the 2025 AFCON!
120+4′ The referee blows his whistle to end the second period of extra-time.
120+3′ A long pass, executed by Nayef Aguerd (Morocco), missed the precision to reach his teammates.
120′ We will play three minutes of additional time.
118′ – Free kick awarded! Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal) is judged to have fouled his opponent, and the referee blows for a free kick in favour of Morocco.
111′ – Missed chance for Senegal! Cherif Ndiaye gets on the end of a rebound in close range but sends it just wide of the left post.
106′ – Second half of extra time underway. Both Senegal and Morocco begin cautiously, aware that a single mistake could decide the winner.
105+2′ – End of first extra-time period. The whistle blows, and the teams will regroup briefly before the second period of extra time gets underway.

104′ – Close call for Morocco! Youssef En Nesyri rises highest in the box and delivers a powerful header, but it goes wide of the left p

102′ – Medical stoppage! Edouard Mendy (Senegal) is down after a challenge, with the physio rushing onto the pitch. Meanwhile, Hamza Igamane (Morocco) is also receiving treatment for an injury.

100′ – Close chance for Morocco! Abde Ezzalzouli threads a brilliant through ball to Youssef En Nesyri, but Mendy comes out strong to deny him, keeping Senegal in the lead.

98′ Substitution – Ilias Akhomach is coming on for Morocco, replacing Brahim DΓ­az as the Atlas Lions look to respond.

94′ – Goal! Senegal takes the lead! Pape Gueye dribbles past defenders and fires a stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top right corner. Bono couldn’t get near it. Senegal 1, Morocco 0.

91′ – Extra time kicks off! The first half of extra time is underway as Senegal and Morocco battle for the decisive breakthrough.

Extra Time begins

Full Time: The two teams cannot be separated after 90 minutes. We are heading into extra time.

90+24′ – Missed penalty! Brahim DΓ­az steps up for Morocco but fires straight down the middle, and Edouard Mendy dives to make a crucial save, keeping Senegal in the game. What a shocking spot kick.

90+17′ Sadio Mane stays on the pitch and calls his teammates back onto the pitch.

90+16′ The delay continues with the majority of the Senegal players going down the tunnel. This does not paint a good image for African football.

90+12′ Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is signalling his players to leave the pitch. They are having a discussion on the touchline, and security sorts out the tension to restore calm.

90+9′ The Senegalese players and technical team continue to protest the decision. There is total chaos and match officials.

90+8′ – Penalty for Morocco! After the VAR review, the referee points to the spot, giving the Atlas Lions a golden chance to take the lead late in the game.

90+6′ – A huge moment! A Moroccan attacker goes down in the box after a challenge, and it looks like a penalty, but referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consults VAR before making a decision. Tension is high as we wait for the call!

90+5′ – Anass Salah-Eddine (Morocco) plays a low cross into the box, but it’s intercepted and deflected out for a corner, giving Morocco a late chance to press forward.

90+3′ – Senegal makes a late change as Pape Bouna Thiaw brings on Cherif Ndiaye, replacing Nicolas Jackson to inject fresh energy into the attack.

90+3′ – A goal initially celebrated for Senegal is disallowed! Abdoulaye Seck is penalized for a foul in the build-up.

90′ – The fourth official signals eight minutes of added time as both sides push for a late winner in this tense AFCON final.

90′ – Morocco go agonisingly close! Abde Ezzalzouli controls a clever pass inside the area, turns sharply and unleashes a fierce effort that whistles just over the crossbar.

88′ – Concern for Morocco as Adam Masina stays down in obvious discomfort. The referee stops play and waves the medical team onto the pitch for treatment.

88′ – Play is halted momentarily after Adam Masina goes down injured. Medical staff are called onto the pitch to check on the Morocco defender.

86′ – Brahim DΓ­az swings a teasing ball into the Senegal penalty area, but the defence stands firm and clears their lines

85′ – The referee intervenes after Sadio ManΓ© goes in strongly on his opponent. Jean-Jacques Ndala awards a free kick to Morocco

81′ – Huge moment for Morocco. Abde Ezzalzouli meets the corner from close range and fires towards the centre of the goal, but Edouard Mendy reacts superbly to pull off a brilliant point-blank save and keep Senegal level.

80′ – Changes for Morocco as Walid Regragui looks to freshen things up. Ayoub El Kaabi is withdrawn for Youssef En Nesyri, while Oussama Targhalline comes on to replace Bilal El Khannouss.

77′ – Triple change for Senegal as Pape Bouna Thiaw reshuffles his side. Antoine Mendy makes way for Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaila Sarr is introduced in place of Lamine Camara, while Ibrahim Mbaye replaces Iliman Ndiaye as the Teranga Lions look for fresh impetus.

74′ – Another corner for Morocco. Achraf Hakimi fires a powerful delivery into the area, but a Senegal defender anticipates well and intercepts to clear the danger.

70′ The two players look alright after the on-field treatment. They will stay on as the match resumes.

67′ – Injury concerns on both sides! Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco) is receiving medical attention, while El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal) is also down with an injury.

66′ – Another attempt from Hakimi is stopped as the defence clears the ball before it reaches the box.

65′ Temporal halt to proceedings to allow the injured players to receive on-field treatment.

65′ – Achraf Hakimi swings in a dangerous cross, but Senegal’s defence reads it perfectly and clears the danger.

63′ – Morocco comes close! Ayoub El Kaabi receives a neat pass inside the box and fires a shot, but a last-ditch block by a Senegalese defender keeps the score level.

60′ – Senegal on the attack! Iliman Ndiaye makes a clever run and delivers a cross, but it fails to find a teammate.

58′ – Morocco nearly takes the lead! Ayoub El Kaabi meets a perfect pass inside the box but slices his shot just wide of the left post

56′ – Foul against Morocco! Neil El Aynaoui’s aggressive challenge is penalized by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

56′ – Senegal respond immediately as El Hadji Malick Diouf sends in a beautifully lofted cross into the box, but Morocco’s defense clears it away.

51′ – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) delivers another corner into the box, but a Senegal defender rises highest to powerfully head the ball clear.

50′ – Morocco win a corner as Achraf Hakimi delivers it into the box, but Senegal’s defense clears

48′ – Senegal maintain possession, moving the ball around with a series of short, controlled passes.

46′ – Kick-off! The second half is underway as referee Jean-Jacques Ndala signals play to resume.
Second Half:
Halftime in Rabat! Senegal 0-0 Morocco.

45+5′ – Half-time whistle! Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala brings the first half to a close with the score still 0-0

45+4′ – Close call for Morocco! Ismael Saibari receives a pass at the edge of the box and takes a shot, but it’s well-blocked, keeping the half goalless.

45′ – Four minutes of added time announced! The fourth official signals that there will be 4 minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.

42′ – Senegal concede a foul! Sadio Mane’s aggressive challenge is penalised by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, stopping play

40′ – Foul called on Senegal! Nicolas Jackson’s challenge is spotted by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who immediately stops play.

38′ – Close call for Senegal! Iliman Ndiaye breaks free with a perfect pass and faces Bono one-on-one. He fires a low shot to the left, but Morocco’s goalkeeper makes a stunning save to keep the score level.

36′ – Injury concern for Senegal! Iliman Ndiaye looks to be struggling, and medical staff are rushing to assess the severity of his condition.

31′ – Foul against Senegal! Iliman Ndiaye’s aggressive challenge is called back by Jean-Jacques Ndala, giving Morocco a free kick in a dangerous position for a potential shot on goal.

27′ – Missed opportunity from the set-piece! Lamine Camara swings in a free kick looking for a teammate, but fails to connect cleanly, sending the ball out of play.

24′ – Yellow card for Senegal! Lamine Camara’s heavy challenge earns him a booking, with referee Jean-Jacques Ndala showing no hesitation.

22′ – Foul against Senegal! Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala stops play as Mamadou Sarr’s challenge proves a bit too strong in the tussle for possession.

20′ – Offside called! Ismael Saibari tried to break past Senegal’s last defender, but his timing was slightly off. The linesman spots it correctly and raises the flag, stopping Morocco’s attack.

14′ – Morocco nearly with an early chance! Ismael Saibari found space on the edge of the box after a slick pass, but his shot sailed well wide of the left post. A let-off for Senegal.

10′ – Tactical foul halts Morocco attack

Moments later, Neil El Aynaoui is whistled for a tactical foul as Morocco look to break forward. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala quickly steps in to stop the counter and keep control of the match.

10′ – Aguerd penalised as Senegal push forward

Nayef Aguerd steps in to win the ball, but the referee judges the challenge to be a foul. The Moroccan defender is clearly frustrated with the decision as Senegal earn another free-kick in a promising area.

8′ – Foul stops Senegal move

Iliman Ndiaye is penalised for a late and careless challenge, giving away a free-kick and allowing Morocco to slow the tempo after Senegal’s early pressure.

6′ – Big chance for Senegal from a corner

Pape Gueye climbs above everyone to meet the delivery and sends a powerful header toward the right corner, but the Moroccan goalkeeper reacts superbly to push it away and keep the hosts level.

3′ – Morocco settling into rhythm

The hosts are enjoying a strong spell of possession, moving the ball sharply with quick, short passes. Morocco are showing plenty of patience in their build-up as they probe for an opening in Senegal’s well-organised defence.

1′ The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final is underway. Morocco get the match started against Senegal, with continental glory up for grabs in Rabat.

19:00 GMT – Kick-off

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final is underway. Morocco get the match started against Senegal, with continental glory up for grabs in Rabat.

18:55 GMT – Kick-off just minutes away

Everything is set for the AFCON final in Rabat. Senegal and Morocco are lining up in the tunnel, with the trophy already pitch-side as anticipation reaches its peak.

18:45 GMT – Crowd firmly behind the hosts

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is filling rapidly, with Moroccan supporters creating a wall of red in the stands. Senegalese fans are present in good numbers but the atmosphere strongly favors the home side.

18:40 GMT – Defensive records face off

Morocco have kept five clean sheets and gone more than 470 minutes without conceding, while Senegal have allowed just two goals in the entire tournament. This final is shaping up as a tactical chess match.

18:35 GMT – Morocco unbeaten but cautious against West Africa

The Atlas Lions have not lost in six AFCON matches but are yet to beat a West African side in open play at this tournament. Their semi-final win over Nigeria came via penalties after a goalless draw.

18:30 GMT – ManΓ© remains Senegal’s biggest threat

ManΓ© has 11 AFCON goals and leads the tournament in chances created. With Senegal missing key defensive leaders, much of their hope will rest on the former African Footballer of the Year producing another decisive moment.

18:25 GMT – Hakimi’s role crucial for hosts

Achraf Hakimi wears the armband and is expected to push forward from right-back, having created more chances than any other Moroccan player at the tournament. Senegal may look to target that space on the counter.

18:20 GMT – Midfield battle could shape the match

Morocco start with El Aynaoui and El Khannouss controlling the centre, while Senegal field Lamine Camara and Gana Gueye for energy and ball recovery. Expect an intense contest for possession in the early stages.

18:15 GMT – Star attackers ready to decide the final

Sadio ManΓ© leads Senegal’s attack alongside Jackson and Ndiaye, while Morocco rely on Brahim DΓ­az, Saibari and Ezzalzouli to support Youssef En-Nesyri’s replacement, El Kaabi, through the middle.

18:10 GMT – Senegal reshuffle without Koulibaly

With Kalidou Koulibaly suspended, Senegal’s defence is anchored by NiakhatΓ© and Diouf, with Sarr and Gueye providing width. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, aiming for a fifth clean sheet of the tournament.

18:05 GMT – Morocco stick with trusted defensive unit

Yassine Bounou starts in goal behind a back line featuring Hakimi, Mazraoui, Aguerd and Masina. Morocco have conceded just once in six matches, and Walid Regragui keeps faith with the defence that shut out Nigeria in the semi-final.

18:00 GMT – Official line-ups are in

Both teams have named their starting XIs for the AFCON final in Rabat. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi leads the hosts, while Senegal are captained by Gana Gueye as they chase a second continental title in four years.

17:55 GMT – Teams head back to the tunnel

Warm-ups are complete and both teams are back in the dressing rooms for final instructions. Official line-ups are expected shortly as anticipation builds for the biggest match of the tournament.

17:50 GMT – Stadium atmosphere building

The noise levels continue to rise as more fans take their seats. Moroccan flags dominate the stands, but Senegalese supporters are also well represented, adding to the sense of occasion ahead of kick-off.

17:45 GMT – Penalties remain a real possibility

Nine AFCON finals have been decided on penalties, including Senegal’s triumph over Egypt in 2021. Morocco also come into this final fresh from a shoot-out win over Nigeria in the semi-finals.

17:40 GMT – Coaches’ contrasting paths to the final

Pape Thiaw is leading Senegal into his second CAF final, having also guided them to CHAN glory in 2022. Walid Regragui, meanwhile, is seeking his first AFCON title after already making history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

17:35 GMT – Clean sheets define both campaigns

Morocco have kept five clean sheets and conceded only once in six matches, while Senegal have allowed just two goals in the entire tournament. Defensive organisation has been the foundation of both teams’ runs to the final.

17:30 GMT – Midfield battle expected

Senegal dominated possession in the semi-final against Egypt with over 63 per cent of the ball, while Morocco limited Nigeria to just one shot on target in their semi-final. Control in midfield could be decisive in this final.

17:20 GMT – Key men in attack

All eyes will be on Sadio ManΓ©, who has 11 AFCON goals and has created more chances than any other player in the tournament. For Morocco, Brahim DΓ­az could equal Ahmed Faras as the country’s top AFCON scorer with a goal tonight.

17:15 GMT – Senegal chasing consistency at the top

Senegal are appearing in back-to-back AFCON finals and are unbeaten in their last 17 AFCON matches. A win tonight would make them the first team in tournament history to win four successive knockout matches.

17:10 GMT – Pressure on hosts, history on the line

Morocco are aiming to end a 49-year wait for an AFCON crown, last lifting the trophy in 1976. Victory today would also see Walid Regragui become only the second coach to guide the Atlas Lions to continental glory.

17:00 GMT – History suggests a tight final

The most common AFCON final scorelines are 1-0 and 0-0, and nine of the last 12 finals have ended with one of those results. Senegal’s last two finals both finished goalless before penalties, while Morocco’s last final in 2004 ended 2-1.

16:55 GMT – Attack vs defense storyline

Senegal have scored in all six of their matches and lead the tournament in shots and shots on target, while Morocco have gone 477 minutes without conceding a goal. Something has to give in what promises to be a tightly contested final.

16:50 GMT – Goalkeepers in the spotlight

Both sides boast elite shot-stoppers. Edouard Mendy has kept four clean sheets so far, while Yassine Bounou has five, the most by any goalkeeper at this AFCON. Another clean sheet for Bounou would set a new tournament record with six in one edition.

16:45 GMT – Key absences for Senegal

Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who misses the final through suspension, just as he did in the 2019 final. Midfielder Habib Diarra is also suspended, forcing coach Pape Thiaw into defensive and midfield adjustments.

16:40 GMT – Senegal’s remarkable defensive record

The Lions of Teranga have conceded just two goals in the entire tournament and kept four clean sheets. Another shutout today would equal their best ever tally of five clean sheets in a single AFCON edition, achieved in 2002, 2019 and 2021.

16:35 GMT – Hosts chasing a rare milestone

Morocco are bidding to become the fourth host nation to win back-to-back AFCON titles after Tunisia and Egypt (2004 and 2006) and CΓ΄te d’Ivoire in 2023. The last host to lose an AFCON final was Nigeria in 2000, also in a penalty shoot-out.

16:30 GMT – Head-to-head favors Morocco

Across 31 previous meetings, Morocco have won 18 times compared to six victories for Senegal, with seven draws. The Atlas Lions have also won four of the last six encounters between the sides, including a penalty shoot-out victory over Senegal at the 2024 CHAN semi-finals.

16:25 GMT – Home advantage for the Atlas Lions

Morocco will be playing their seventh match in Rabat, having spent the entire knockout phase at this venue. Senegal, meanwhile, have played all their matches in Tangier up to now, making this their first appearance in the capital during the tournament.

16:20 GMT – A historic final for both nations

Senegal are appearing in their fourth AFCON final, while Morocco contest only their second and first since 2004. It is also the first AFCON meeting between these two sides, despite this being their 32nd encounter overall across all competitions.

16:15 GMT: Follow our live coverage for real-time updates, key moments, tactical battles, and all the drama as the Atlas Lions and the Lions of Teranga go head-to-head for AFCON supremacy.

With history, pride and continental glory on the line, both sides arrive fully focused on lifting Africa’s most coveted football trophy.

Good evening and welcome to Africasoccer’s live coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, where Senegal face hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT, with both sides aiming to write a new chapter in their AFCON history.