Senegal Beat Morocco To Win AFCON 2025 In Chaotic Final

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa after beating Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic and often ill-tempered AFCON 2025 final decided deep into extra time.

The title clash, played at a frantic pace and marked by controversy, VAR drama and missed chances at both ends, was settled in the 94th minute of extra time when Pape Gueye produced a moment of brilliance to finally break the deadlock.

With penalties looming, Gueye danced past two Moroccan defenders on the edge of the box before unleashing a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner. Goalkeeper Bono stood no chance as the Senegal bench erupted.

The final, contested under intense pressure and scrutiny, lived up to its billing as one of the most chaotic in the tournament’s history. Tempers flared, cards were flashed freely, and VAR took centre stage during a dramatic late sequence in normal time.

Morocco thought they had the chance to win it in stoppage time when the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR review, awarding them a penalty in the 90th minute. The decision almost forced Senegal, whose goal was earlier cancelled, to abandon the game.

However, they continued as Brahim Diaz stepped up, but his effort lacked conviction and was saved by Edouard Mendy.

That save swung the momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour and gave them renewed belief heading into extra time.

Both sides created chances in a breathless first 90 minutes. Iliman Ndiaye came closest for Senegal in the first half when he broke through on goal, only for Bono to pull off a spectacular save. Morocco responded with sustained pressure, with Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi both going agonisingly close.

Extra time delivered even more drama. Youssef En Nesyri missed a clear header, while Morocco were inches away from scoring when Nayef Aguerd’s towering header crashed against the crossbar in the second period.

At the other end, Cherif Ndiaye squandered a golden opportunity from close range before Gueye finally delivered the decisive blow.

The match was frequently halted by fouls and injuries, with yellow cards shown to several players on both sides as emotions boiled over. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala remained at the centre of attention throughout, particularly during the VAR intervention that led to Morocco’s missed penalty.

As the final whistle blew after 120 minutes, Senegal’s players collapsed in celebration, while their supporters celebrated a famous night that will live long in African football folklore.