Senegal pulled off a breathtaking victory over hosts Morocco, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final 1-0 after extra time in Rabat, Morocco on 18 January 2026. It was a night of pure football drama, heartbreak, controversy, and history.
From the first whistle, both teams gave everything. Morocco, aiming to end their 50-year wait for an AFCON title on home soil, pushed hard against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal, the defending champions from 2021, stood firm and showed the kind of resilience that champions are made of.
The match was tense and cagey for much of normal time. Soon into stoppage time, a contentious moment sparked chaos: Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and Senegal’s bench protested vehemently. In an extraordinary scene, Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in disagreement before being persuaded to return, a rare and unforgettable spectacle in major football finals.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up for the penalty but tried a Panenka attempt that was comfortably saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score locked at 0-0 and sending the game into extra time.
The breakthrough finally came early in extra time. Pape Gueye danced through the Moroccan defence and unleashed a stunning strike that flew into the top corner, sending Senegal fans into wild celebration and putting his country on the verge of glory.
Confédération Africaine de Football
Despite Morocco’s late pressure and near misses, Senegal held on to claim their second AFCON title in dramatic fashion. The win was a testament to their grit and composure under pressure, and a reminder that in football, anything can happen.
