Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time on Sunday night to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, in a dramatic match overshadowed by controversy, prolonged stoppages and chaotic scenes.
The final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was repeatedly interrupted late in regulation time following a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review, triggering protests from Senegal players.
The spot-kick was awarded deep into stoppage time, leading to several minutes of disruption as Senegal players surrounded the referee in protest. Tensions escalated further when players from both teams briefly walked off the pitch before returning after intervention by match officials and security personnel.
Morocco missed a crucial chance to take the lead when Brahim Diaz saw his attempted Panenka saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a moment that intensified the already charged atmosphere inside the stadium.
With the match ending goalless after 90 minutes, it proceeded to extra time amid continued tension. Senegal broke the deadlock in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye fired a stunning long-range strike into the top corner.
Morocco pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, striking the crossbar and forcing late saves, but Senegal held firm to secure victory in a final marked by extended delays, heated exchanges and repeated VAR interventions.
The match ran well beyond its scheduled time due to stoppages caused by protests, officiating reviews and crowd unrest.
Senegal’s triumph crowned them African champions after one of the most dramatic and controversial Africa Cup of Nations finals in recent history, played before a packed home crowd in Rabat.
