AFCON 2025
Senegal are the new champions of Africa as the Terenga Lions sealed a win over Morocco in a dramatic final in Rabat on Sunday night.
Pape Gueye’s rocket-like strike off a Idrissa Gueye’s assist in the first-half of extra time gave Senegal the win over the hosts.
The final was characterized with drama and chaos after Senegal were denied a goal in the 85th minute. Pape Gueye’s header into the roof of the net was chalked off after Abdoulaye Seck was adjudged to have fouled Achraf Hakimi in a hand tussle in the box.
The video assistant referee. Pierre Ghislain Atcho didn’t call center referee, Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala to review the incident as the match remained goalless heading into the 90th minute.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 96th minute of added time after Westham defender Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz in the box.
Coach of the Senegalese side, Pape Thiaw, in protest against the disallowed goal, instructed his players to leave the pitch leaving only the Moroccan players.
Chaos also erupted in the stands as Senegalese vandalised some barricades and almost invaded the pitch as the final came to halt for over 20 minutes.
However, Sadio Mane intervened and called his teammates to return the pitch to continue the match with two minutes left.
The penalty decision stood and Real Madrid’s forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to end Morocco’s 50-year wait but missed as Edouard Mendy calmly held his panenka penalty attempt.
Pape Gueye’s strike in the 94th minute settled the heated final as Senegal claimed their second AFCON title on extra-time.
