In a final that will long be debated and etched into international football lore, Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in extra time as Papa Gueye scored the decisive winner, delivering the nation its second-ever AFCON title. The narrow scoreline barely hints at the chaos, controversy, and high drama that defined one of the most memorable finals in tournament history.
Penalty Controversy and a Brahim Diaz Miss
The 90 minutes of regulation time told a tale of two halves. In the opening period, Senegal were clearly the more threatening side. They came agonizingly close from a corner and later fashioned a clear breakaway chance in the 37th minute that required an excellent save. Morocco’s disciplined defending and strong goalkeeping kept the match scoreless, despite sustained pressure.
After the interval, Morocco showed greater urgency and attacking intent, enjoying more possession and pushing higher up the pitch. Even so, Senegal’s defensive structure held firm, limiting clear-cut chances and demonstrating the resilience that would later define the outcome.
What followed after the 90 minutes, however, is what will live longest in the memory of football fans. In the 91st minute, Senegal had a goal from a corner disallowed for a foul, a decision they felt was harsh and unnecessary on what would have been a match winning goal.
Just minutes later, in the 95th minute, VAR intervened to review a potential penalty against Senegal. The referee ultimately awarded the spot kick, ruling that Malick Diouf had fouled Morocco’s Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked chaos. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw led his team off the pitch in protest, with heated exchanges and near-confrontations breaking out between players from both sides.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane played a crucial role in calming the situation, insisting his team return to the field despite what many in the Senegal camp considered to be “home cooking” in Morocco’s favour as tournament hosts.
After a 20-minute delay, the match resumed and Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. His attempted panenka was poorly executed and comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy. After an outstanding tournament, the Real Madrid midfielder was left with crushing regret over what could have been a match-winning moment.
Senegal’s Extra-Time Triumph
With momentum firmly swinging in their favour after Diaz’s miss, Senegal struck decisively in extra time. Papa Gueye unleashed a stunning effort from outside the box, a goal worthy of deciding a final and one that sent the Senegal bench into raptures.
Morocco still had nearly 20 minutes to find an equaliser, but they were met by a Senegal side fully locked into defensive battle mode. Chances did come, and Morocco pushed until the final whistle, yet they were unable to break through. Senegal, meanwhile, nearly added a second goal themselves on the counter, underscoring their control of extra time.
Sadio Mane became just the third African player to win multiple AFCON titles, a remarkable achievement that cements his legacy on the continent. While Senegal celebrated a historic triumph, Morocco were left to rue Diaz’s penalty miss and the controversial circumstances that surrounded it.
AFCON 2025 delivered a final worthy of the occasion, featuring two teams that will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in strong form. The tournament was gripping from start to finish, and the final, for all its controversy and drama, lacked nothing.
Main Photo Credit Imago Images Copyright: xSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox
