- Safiu Kehinde
Senegal has emerged winner of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they defeated Morocco in a controversial final match.
The Terenga Lions denied Morocco an opportunity to clinch their first ever title in 50 years on their home ground.
As much expected, the final was tension-filled with the host struggling to contain Senegal’s attacking threat.
The Teranga Lions started brightly, dictating play early and forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into sharp saves from Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye.
Morocco responded before half-time, with Nayef Aguerd narrowly missing Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s dangerous cross across the face of goal.
After the break, the Atlas Lions pressed harder, but Ayoub El Kaabi squandered a clear chance, failing to hit the target from close range.
Senegal threatened on the counter and nearly scored late on, but Bounou produced a fine save to deny substitute Ibrahim Mbaye in the 89th minute.
The controversial moment of the game would occur shortly after the referee disallowed Senegal’s late minute goal from corner kick over a foul on Achraf Hakimi in the build up of the goal.
While shrugging off protest from the Senegalese players, the defining moment of the night for the referee would emerge in the 98th minute following Brahimi Diaz call for penalty after being pulled by Senegalese defender during a corner kick.
As against his reaction to Senegalese disallowed goal, Brahimi’s protest was acknowledged by the referee who hearkened the Real Madrid player’s request to check the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
A penalty would be awarded would be awarded at the tail end of the fierce contest.
This would not go down well with the Senegalese as they vehemently protested against the call as the players as well as coaching staff called his attention to the disallowed goal and his refusal to consider checking the VAR to review the goal.
The argument which lingered on for minutes led to the Senegalese coach, Pape Thiaw, withdrawing his players from the pitch while the chaos had also erupted from supporters of both nations.
The Senegalese players walked back to the dressing room before being later called back to the pitch by their former captain and eventual Man of the Tournament, Sadio Mane.
With the referee’s decision remained standing, Eduoard Mendy was faced with the task of denying Brahimi Diaz who stepped up to take the penalty.
Amid the tension across the stadium, Diaz surged forward for a last-minute kick that would have seen the Atlas Lions secure their first ever title in over 50 years.
The Real Madrid player would however be denied by Mendy who calmly caught his Panenka attempt and pushing the game for extra time to the relieve of Senegal.
Extra time proved decisive as Sadio Mané’s clever pass released Pape Gueye, who showed composure and power to beat Bounou with an unstoppable strike.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Mendy stood firm as Senegal defended resolutely to secure a historic victory.
The triumph confirms Senegal’s status among Africa’s elite, sealing a second AFCON title with discipline, resilience and championship pedigree.