Senegal Shock Hosts Morocco To Win AFCON 2025 Title After Extra Time
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Senegal delivered a stunning blow to tournament hosts Morocco on Sunday night, claiming the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The decisive moment came early in extra time when Pape Gueye struck from distance to silence the home crowd and seal a famous triumph for the Lions of Teranga.
The win hands Senegal their second AFCON title, both secured within the last three editions of the tournament.
Normal time ended in controversy and tension. Deep into stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, but star man Brahim Díaz squandered the opportunity.
Attempting an audacious chipped effort down the middle, the Real Madrid midfielder was denied by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who calmly caught the ball to keep the score level.
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck decisively on the counterattack. Idrissa Gana Gueye released Pape Gueye, who showed strength and composure to hold off his marker before firing a precise effort past Yassine Bounou, off the crossbar and into the net to give Senegal a priceless lead.
Morocco, who had not lost a match since their Round of 16 exit at the 2023 AFCON, pushed desperately for an equaliser but were unable to break down Senegal’s disciplined defence.
The defeat also brought an end to the Atlas Lions’ 24-match unbeaten run and marked their first loss on home soil since November 2009.
The final lived up to its billing as a tense and tactical affair. Both sides approached the contest cautiously, with the midfield tightly contested and attacking play largely channelled through the flanks.
Senegal appeared the more threatening early on and nearly took the lead in the fifth minute when a corner found Pape Gueye at the far post, only for Bounou to recover brilliantly.
Senegal continued to probe and came closest before the break when Iliman Ndiaye was released down the right, but Bounou produced a superb kick save to preserve parity at halftime.
Morocco emerged with renewed intent after the interval and almost found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.
A swift move down the right ended with a teasing cross from Bilal El Khannouss, but Ayoub El Kaabi’s flicked finish drifted narrowly wide.
Late chances at both ends set the stage for the chaotic finale. Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye forced another save from Bounou, while tempers flared following the controversial penalty decision that briefly saw Senegal’s players leave the pitch in protest before captain Sadio Mané rallied his teammates to return.
Extra time brought further drama.
Morocco rattled the crossbar from a set piece, while Senegal substitute Chérif Ndiaye missed a golden chance to put the game beyond reach.
Ultimately, Senegal’s resolute defending saw them through, completing a historic night and confirming their status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing forces.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
