Senegal has been crowned the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion following a dramatic and controversial 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday [[1]]. The match, decided by a late extra-time goal from Pape Gueye, was marred by a contentious penalty decision that prompted Senegal to briefly walk off the pitch in protest [[2]],[[3]]. The win marks Senegal’s second ever africa Cup of Nations title, and comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco during the Senegal-Morocco Africa Cup of Nations final – Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters
Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title after a dramatic final against Morocco, punctuated by controversy and a late goal. The match, played in Rabat, served as a key test for Morocco ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.
Neither side could break the deadlock during regulation time, with the match remaining scoreless. Possession was tightly contested, nearly split evenly between the two teams. Morocco generated more shots on goal, but Senegal proved more accurate, landing seven attempts on target. It was Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye who ultimately found the back of the net for the Lions of Teranga.
The decisive moment came in extra time, but not before a contentious penalty decision sparked outrage. In the 98th minute, Brahim Diaz was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading referee Jean Jacques Ndala to award a penalty to Morocco – as reported by the BBC. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw immediately ordered his team off the pitch in protest. After a VAR review, Ndala upheld the decision, shortly after disallowing what Senegal believed was a legitimate goal. Sadio Mané successfully convinced his teammates to return to the field, and Diaz subsequently missed the penalty. Mané’s leadership was crucial in calming a tense Senegal squad, allowing the match to continue into the remainder of extra time.
