By

Eniola Olatunji 
 

Senegal have been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 in a tense and dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to claim their second continental title in history.

 

The dreams of the Atlas Lions to lift their first AFCON trophy in 50 years were shattered late in the match when Pape Gueye struck in the 94th minute. The French-born Villarreal midfielder received a pass from veteran forward Sadio Mané, danced through a crowded Moroccan defense, and fired a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to silence the packed stadium.

 

The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON triumph in five years, following their maiden success at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, and was achieved on hostile ground amid intense pressure from the home crowd.

 

The final was filled with controversy and high drama. In the closing stages, the match was briefly abandoned after Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty decision awarded to Morocco by DR Congo referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. The official had earlier disallowed a Senegal goal without consulting VAR and later awarded Morocco a late penalty after an alleged foul involving Malick Diouf.

 

Following intervention from captain Sadio Mané and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Senegal returned to the pitch to complete the match. When the penalty was eventually taken in added time, Mendy produced a decisive save, catching the ball cleanly and breaking Moroccan hearts.

 

Despite Morocco dominating possession and applying relentless pressure, Senegal’s defense stood firm. The hosts failed to register a shot on target in the first half, while Senegal managed two. Morocco increased the tempo after the break, earning 10 corner kicks compared to Senegal’s eight, but were repeatedly denied by a disciplined defensive display described by observers as “a wall of Gibraltar.”

 

The physical intensity of the second half was reflected in foul counts and bookings, with Senegal receiving five yellow cards to Morocco’s two as they battled to contain the Atlas Lions’ attacking threats.

 

Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, had enjoyed an impressive run to the final, scoring nine goals and conceding just one before the final. They edged Nigeria on penalties in the semifinals after a goalless 120 minutes. Senegal, ranked 19th globally, reached the final after eliminating Egypt in the semifinals and scoring 12 goals across the tournament.

 

Historically, Morocco had dominated the head-to-head record between the two sides, winning four of their previous six meetings. However, Senegal rewrote the script on the biggest stage.

 

Morocco’s wait for a second AFCON title continues, their only triumph coming in 1976. For Senegal, the victory cements their status as one of Africa’s modern football powerhouses.

 

While the host nation for the 2027 AFCON is yet to be confirmed, memories of the 2025 final will long linger in Rabat, where nearly 69,500 fans witnessed a night of heartbreak for Morocco and historic glory for the Teranga Lions.