Senegal defied all odds and made history by winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final.
The winning goal came from Pape Gueye, who scored a stunning long-range effort in extra time, silencing the Moroccan crowd.
The match was filled with controversy, as Senegal’s players stormed off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco in the 90th minute.
The penalty was given after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Díaz, but Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw called his players off the pitch in disagreement.
After a 13-minute delay, Sadio Mané convinced his teammates to return, and Edouard Mendy made a crucial save to deny Díaz’s penalty.
Gueye’s goal in the 94th minute was the decisive moment, curling the ball into the top corner and securing Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Senegal, reaffirming their status as a dominant force in African football.
