Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Dramatic Victory Over Morocco

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa after edging Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic and often ill-tempered final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the decisive goal coming deep into extra time. According to Ireporter Online, Pape Gueye produced a moment of brilliance in the 94th minute of extra time, dancing past two Moroccan defenders before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Bono with no chance.

The final, played at a frantic pace and marked by controversy, VAR interventions, and missed opportunities at both ends, lived up to its billing as one of the most chaotic in AFCON history. Morocco thought they had a late chance to equalize when the referee awarded a penalty in the 90th minute following a VAR review. However, Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s effort, swinging momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.

Both teams created several chances during a breathless 90 minutes. Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye came close in the first half before Bono made a spectacular save, while Morocco responded with sustained attacks through Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi. Extra time offered even more drama, with Morocco hitting the crossbar through Nayef Aguerd and Senegal missing clear opportunities before Gueye’s decisive strike.

The match was punctuated by fouls and injuries, with multiple yellow cards shown as tempers flared. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala remained under the spotlight, particularly for the VAR decision that led to Morocco’s missed penalty.

At the final whistle, Senegal’s players celebrated their hard-fought triumph, while supporters rejoiced in a night that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and chaotic finals in African football history.