The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal delivered one of the most dramatic and controversial endings in the tournament’s history, as the Lions of Teranga emerged champions after an intense, ill-tempered encounter that stretched into extra time.
The match, played before a packed stadium and millions watching across the continent, was defined as much by refereeing decisions and emotional flashpoints as by footballing quality.
Senegal thought they had taken the lead in regulation time when a goal was ruled out by the referee for a push inside Morocco’s penalty area.
Replays showed both players grappling for position, but the official judged the Senegalese attacker to have committed the foul before the goal, sparking immediate protests from the West African side.
Moments later, controversy swung the other way as the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after judging that Brahim Díaz had been pushed inside Senegal’s box.
The decision infuriated the Senegalese bench, with head coach reacting angrily and instructing his players to walk off the pitch in protest, bringing the final to a dramatic halt as tensions threatened to boil over.
The standoff lasted several minutes before Senegal captain Sadio Mané stepped in, calming emotions and personally calling his teammates back onto the field in a powerful display of leadership and composure. Play eventually resumed, allowing Morocco the chance to capitalise from the spot.
However, Senegal goalkeeper rose to the occasion, saving Brahim Díaz’s penalty, keeping the scores level as the referee added eight minutes of stoppage time. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a breakthrough before the final whistle, forcing the match into extra time.
It was during extra time that Senegal finally made their dominance count. In a decisive moment, Idrissa Gana Gueye struck the winning goal, sending the Senegalese supporters into wild celebrations and breaking Moroccan resistance.
The goal proved enough to seal victory, as Senegal held firm defensively to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The triumph crowns Senegal as AFCON 2025 champions, adding another continental title to their growing legacy, while Morocco, after a spirited and controversial final, settle for second place.
Though the match will be remembered for its officiating drama, it ultimately belonged to Senegal’s resilience, leadership, and ability to stay composed when it mattered most.
For the Lions of Teranga, it was not just a victory, it was a statement of character under pressure.
