By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Morocco, 19 January 2026 - Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) champions on Sunday after beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time.
The match was tough, with both teams putting up a spirited fight.
By the final whistle, the Lions of Teranga, as Senegal are known, roared the loudest, silencing fans of the Moroccan side, known as the Atlas Lions.
There was drama during the additional eight minutes of stoppage time after normal time elapsed.
A tackle inside the penalty area was reviewed by VAR and a penalty was awarded to Morocco.
Senegalese players protested and walked towards the tunnel.
Their frustration was possibly based on the fact that the controversial penalty came shortly after Senegal’s disallowed goal.
The match, played in a soaked and packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was paused for a few minutes until Senegal’s star player, Sadio Mané, implored his teammates to return to the pitch so the game could continue.
In a dramatic twist, Brahim Díaz failed to score as Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved a poorly taken spot-kick.
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Both sides remained level at 0-0 at the end of 90+8 minutes.
Pape Gueye scored early in extra time in the 94th minute, and although Morocco pressed throughout, their efforts were not enough to bring a smile to the home fans on home soil.
Díaz who was substituted in the dying minutes of the game, looked dejected, but his only consolation was the Golden Boot Award, after he finished the tournament as the overall top scorer with five goals in a total six matches. He was followed by Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria with four goals each.
Morocco last won the AFCON in 1976.
For Senegal, the victory secured a second AFCON title, following their first triumph in the 2021 edition.
AFCON Final: Senegal Silence Atlas Lions of Morocco With Dramatic 1-0 Victory in Rabat
Pape Gueye's extra-time strike seals Senegal's second AFCON title
