Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations championship in three editions on Sunday, defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final descended into high drama during stoppage time when DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review. The decision, which ruled that Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz at a corner, sparked heated protests from the Teranga Lions.
Under coach Pape Thiaw’s directive, Senegal’s squad temporarily abandoned the pitch in protest, creating a 13-minute delay before captain Sadio Mané convinced his teammates to resume play. Morocco’s chance to clinch the trophy evaporated when Diaz sent his spot-kick wide, forcing the contest into additional time.
The breakthrough arrived four minutes into extra time through Pape Gueye, who finished a swift counterattack orchestrated by Mané. Senegal’s disciplined defensive performance through the remaining minutes sealed a historic victory on Moroccan soil, silencing the passionate home support.
The triumph establishes Senegal as a dominant force in African football, having now claimed continental glory in both 2021 and 2025.
Complete AFCON Champions Roll of Honour
- 2025 – Senegal
- 2023 – Côte d’Ivoire
- 2021 – Senegal
- 2019 – Algeria
- 2017 – Cameroon
- 2015 – Côte d’Ivoire
- 2013 – Nigeria
- 2012 – Zambia
- 2010 – Egypt
- 2008 – Egypt
- 2006 – Egypt
- 2004 – Tunisia
- 2002 – Cameroon
- 2000 – Cameroon
- 1998 – Egypt
- 1996 – South Africa
- 1994 – Nigeria
- 1992 – Côte d’Ivoire
- 1990 – Algeria
- 1988 – Cameroon
- 1986 – Egypt
- 1984 – Cameroon
- 1982 – Ghana
- 1980 – Nigeria
- 1978 – Ghana
- 1976 – Morocco
- 1974 – DR Congo
- 1972 – Congo
- 1970 – Sudan
- 1968 – DR Congo
- 1965 – Ghana
- 1963 – Ghana
- 1962 – Ethiopia
- 1959 – Egypt
- 1957 – Egypt
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