Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has described scoring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final as a “moment of pride” after his decisive strike secured the Teranga Lions a second continental title.
The match looked destined for extra time after a tense first half and few clear chances.
The game’s first major moment came late in regulation when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Brahim Diaz was brought down in the box.
Diaz stepped up confidently, only for his panenka attempt to be brilliantly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edward Mendy.
Just three minutes into extra time, Gueye produced the defining moment. The Villarreal midfielder fired a superb left-footed shot from the edge of the area, sending the Senegal bench into celebration and silencing the home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
“I am very happy to win the final; it was a complicated match. After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused, played our game, and showed Senegalese football,” the Villarreal midfielder said.
“Then we scored a goal that allowed us to win the match. Scoring in a final is a moment of pride for me. I am very happy to score in the final, and most importantly, the Senegal national team now has a second star,” he added.
Senegal’s victory means the West African side have now lifted the AFCON trophy twice, following their first triumph in 2021.
