Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 champions on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final played in Rabat.
The decisive moment came in the 94th minute, when Pape Gueye found the back of the net to break the deadlock following a tense contest that had ended goalless after 90 minutes.
Late Drama
The final was marked by prolonged stoppages, particularly late in the match after a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty.
However, the hosts were unable to capitalise, with Brahim Diaz’s spot kick saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score level and swinging momentum in Senegal’s favour.
Senegal then struck early in extra time, with Gueye’s goal proving decisive despite sustained pressure from Morocco in the closing stages.
Senegal Hold Firm
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser in the dying minutes, backed by a vocal home crowd, but Senegal’s defence remained resolute.
Mendy made several crucial interventions to preserve the lead as the West Africans saw out the match.
A Historic Triumph
The victory secures another continental title for Senegal, capping a successful tournament run and bringing AFCON 2025 to a thrilling conclusion.
For Morocco, the defeat was a bitter end to an otherwise strong campaign, falling just short of lifting the trophy on home soil.
Following the final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the full list of winners and individual award recipients.
AFCON 2025 Full Winners List
Champions: Senegal
Runners-up: Morocco
Third place: Nigeria
Fair Play Award: Morocco
Despite losing the final, Morocco received the Fair Play Award for their conduct and discipline during the tournament.
Best Player of the Tournament: Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané was a standout figure throughout AFCON 2025.
His leadership, crucial contributions, and consistent performances saw him named Player of the Tournament.
Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Moroccan shot‑stopper Yassine Bounou, popularly known as ‘Bono’, claimed the Best Goalkeeper award for his outstanding performances during the tournament.
Top Scorer: Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Even though Morocco fell agonisingly short in the final, Brahim DÃaz finished the tournament as top scorer (Golden Boot winner).
DÃaz scored five goals, making history as the first player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches in one tournament.