Senegal edge Morocco in extra time to win AFCON final amid late controversy

Senegal claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time on Sunday in a dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal early in extra time to hand Senegal victory in a match overshadowed by controversy and crowd disturbances following a late penalty decision.

Morocco had a chance to win the title at the end of regulation time after being awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The decision sparked prolonged protests from Senegal players and fans, resulting in a delay of almost 20 minutes. When play eventually resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his attempted chip easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Tensions flared further as some Senegal supporters threw objects and attempted to invade the pitch before being restrained by security personnel. The situation later calmed after Mendy’s save.

Senegal had earlier felt aggrieved after a late goal by Ismaila Sarr was ruled out for a foul in the buildup.

Buoyed by the penalty escape, Senegal struck in the fourth minute of extra time. Sadio Mane won possession in midfield before Idrissa Gana Gueye released Pape Gueye, who held off Achraf Hakimi and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the top corner.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser and came close when Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar in the second half of extra time, but Senegal held on to secure victory.

The hosts were left devastated, particularly Diaz, who was substituted shortly after missing the penalty. Many Moroccan fans left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold, rain-soaked night.

The win gives Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title in three editions, following their first triumph in 2022 when they defeated Egypt on penalties. It also marked Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final after failing to score in their previous appearances.

Senegal will now turn their attention to the World Cup in the United States later this year, with hopes that star forward Sadio Mane will reconsider his decision to retire from AFCON football.

Any post-match investigation is expected to examine the conduct of both supporters and teams, as well as organisational arrangements, after the disturbances that marred the closing stages of the final.