Senegal national football team secured their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco national football team in the 2025 final in Rabat.
The defining moment arrived three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the area to silence the home crowd and decide a tense contest.
Morocco had a late chance to settle the match in regulation time after VAR awarded a penalty, but Edouard Mendy produced a decisive save to deny Brahim Díaz.
Senegal started assertively, forcing early saves from Yassine Bounou against Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye. Morocco grew into the game before the break, with Nayef Aguerd narrowly missing a dangerous delivery from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
After halftime, the Atlas Lions increased the pressure, but Ayoub El Kaabi failed to convert from close range. Senegal remained dangerous on the counter, and Bounou was again called into action late to stop substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.
Extra time tilted Senegal’s way. A clever pass from Sadio Mané opened space for Gueye, who struck with composure and power. Morocco pressed for an equaliser, but Mendy and a disciplined back line held firm.
The victory confirms Senegal’s place among Africa’s elite, adding a second AFCON title built on organisation, resilience, and decisive moments.
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