Senegal Clinch Second AFCON Title After Dramatic Extra-time Win Over Morocco
Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco in a pulsating, controversy-laden final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Rabat City Stadium.
The decisive moment came almost immediately after the start of extra time when Pape Gueye struck with composure to settle a contest that had swung wildly between jubilation, anger and relief. The goal proved enough to hand the Teranga Lions a 1–0 victory and add to the title they first won in 2021.
The final will, however, be remembered as much for its drama and officiating flashpoints as for Gueye’s winner.
Senegal thought they had taken the lead during regulation time when a powerful header found the back of the net, only for the referee to disallow the goal, citing an infringement that sparked protests from the Senegalese bench and players. The decision heightened tensions inside a packed Rabat City Stadium, with both sides pressing urgently for a breakthrough.
Controversy peaked deep into stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, judging that a Senegalese defender had committed a foul inside the box. The decision prompted an extraordinary reaction, as Senegalese players walked away from the pitch in protest, surrounding the technical area and remonstrating with officials.
After several minutes of deliberation and appeals, the Senegalese team was persuaded to return to the field to allow the penalty to be taken. In a moment that swung the momentum once again, Senegal’s goalkeeper rose to the occasion, diving low to deny Morocco and preserve parity at the end of normal time.
The dramatic save sent the final into an additional 30 minutes, with both teams visibly drained but still chasing continental glory. Senegal needed little time to make their advantage count. Within the opening moments of extra time, Gueye latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the area and fired home, sending the Senegalese supporters into raptures.
Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Senegal’s defence held firm, managing the game with experience and discipline as the clock ticked down. When the final whistle sounded, Senegalese players collapsed to the turf in celebration, while Moroccan hopes ended in heartbreak on home soil.
The triumph confirms Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations in recent years. Having first lifted the AFCON trophy in 2021, the Teranga Lions have now added a second title, reinforcing their reputation for resilience and big-game temperament.
For Morocco, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow after a tournament filled with promise, but the final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in AFCON history — a night when controversy, courage and a single extra-time strike defined the destiny of a continent’s crown.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
