2025 AFCON: Senegal clinch title after extra-time drama against Morocco

Senegal emerged champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in a tense extra-time final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.

The final was marred by controversy late in regulation time as the Teranga Lions walked off the pitch during added time in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.

The decision came in the eighth minute of stoppage time when El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have pulled Brahim Diaz by the neck during a corner kick. After a VAR review, DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded Morocco the spot kick.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted by instructing his players to leave the field following a heated confrontation involving the referee and Moroccan players.

The impasse lasted about 13 minutes before captain Sadio Mane persuaded his teammates to return to action.

Morocco failed to capitalise as Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to push the game into extra-time.

The Teranga Lions then struck decisively, with Pape Gueye firing a stunning goal from a counter-attack orchestrated by Mane in the fourth minute of extra-time.

Senegal held firm thereafter to secure their second AFCON crown in three tournaments, sealing a dramatic triumph on Moroccan soil.