Pape Gueye scores in extra time as Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in a controversial AFCON 2025 final, sealed after Brahim Diaz misses late penalty.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco started at a high tempo. Senegal had the earliest chance in the sixth minute when Pape Gueye met a corner, but Yassine Bounou saved superbly. Morocco responded through Ismael Saibari in the 14th minute, but his effort went wide. Later, Iliman Ndiaye had a one-on-one opportunity, only for Bono to block the shot. Both sides showed disciplined defending, with midfield battles fierce and possession evenly split. The first half ended 0-0, with both sides cautious and goalkeepers dominant.
The second half remained tight, with Morocco pressing through Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli, yet clear chances were scarce. A collision between Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf and Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui caused a three-minute delay. Injury-time drama followed when Abdoulaye Seck’s goal for Senegal was ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.
Moments later, a VAR-assisted penalty was awarded to Morocco after Diouf tugged Diaz inside the box. Furious, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch, sparking a chaotic scene among fans and officials. The delay lasted over ten minutes, with security struggling to calm passionate supporters.
After a lengthy stoppage, Senegal returned, and Diaz stepped up for the penalty. Under intense pressure, he attempted a Panenka, which Mendy easily caught. The miss left Morocco stunned and the stadium in disbelief. The failed attempt marked a dramatic turning point in a tense final. Senegal immediately regained momentum, with players visibly energized and fans roaring in support. The stage was set for extra-time drama, and the players delivered.
In the fourth minute of extra time, Gueye received the ball near the edge of the box. He shrugged off a challenge from Hakimi and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner. The thunderous shot gave Senegal a 1-0 lead and sparked wild celebrations.
Morocco pushed forward, with En-Nesyri and Aguerd coming close, including a header against the bar, but could not equalize. Senegal held firm, with Mendy making key saves to secure victory. The Teranga Lions’ defense showed exceptional organization and resilience under relentless pressure.
Pape Gueye was the star, scoring Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final through open play. Edouard Mendy also excelled, saving Diaz’s penalty and keeping Morocco at bay. Sadio Mane, likely playing his final AFCON, led by example, calming teammates and guiding them back onto the pitch.
Morocco’s Bounou produced several excellent saves but ultimately could not prevent defeat. Senegal fired 14 shots with seven on target, while Morocco had 20 shots but only three on target, highlighting the Teranga Lions’ clinical finishing.
Senegal lift their second AFCON title after winning in 2021 on penalties against Egypt. They now look to regroup ahead of upcoming friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. Morocco, hosts and favorites, extend their 50-year wait for a continental title. Both teams will reflect on lessons learned from an extraordinary and controversial final. The dramatic conclusion, from disallowed goals to penalties and extra-time heroics, will be remembered as one of AFCON’s most thrilling finales.
