Senegal emerged as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic and controversy-filled final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. The victory marked Senegal's second AFCON title, adding to their crown won in 2021, and notably ended Morocco's impressive undefeated home record that had stood since 2009.

The match remained goalless through regular time, characterized by intense tension and missed opportunities from both sides. Yassine Bounou produced an excellent save to deny Iliman Ndiaye in the first half, while Ayoub El Kaabi flashed his shot wide, indicating the high stakes as extra time loomed.

However, the game’s defining moment of controversy unfolded deep into stoppage time. Following a VAR review, DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded Morocco a penalty after an incident where Senegal defender Moussa Diouf (also identified as El Hadji Malick Diouf) appeared to drag Morocco forward Brahim Díaz by the neck from a corner kick. This decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and officials, who surrounded the referee in disbelief, strongly questioning the ruling.

As tensions escalated, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw called his players off the pitch, citing security concerns amidst heated confrontations between both teams. The Teranga Lions staged an unprecedented on-field protest, refusing to play for over ten minutes. The dramatic scenes drew loud reactions from the crowd and halted play for several minutes, with CAF officials and security personnel working to restore order. Senegal captain Sadio Mané played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation, intervening and convincing his teammates to return to the pitch.

Upon their return, Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the all-important penalty. However, he surprisingly fluffed the opportunity, with his panenka attempt saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. This crucial miss kept the scoreline level and forced the match into extra time.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 94th minute, just four minutes into extra time. Following a counter-attack, Pape Gueye produced a stunning strike from outside the box, driving the ball fiercely into the top-right corner of the net beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. This powerful goal silenced the home crowd and marked Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final, delivered in unforgettable fashion.

Morocco responded with urgency, coming within inches of an equalizer when centre-back Nayef Aguerd rose highest to meet a corner, powering a header past Édouard Mendy, only for the ball to crash against the crossbar. Despite a flurry of desperate attempts, the hosts were unable to break through Senegal’s disciplined defense, securing Senegal's dramatic victory. The 2025 AFCON final, expected to be a celebration of African football, will instead be remembered as a match defined by controversy, tension, and ultimately, Pape Gueye's moment of brilliance that crowned Senegal kings of African football once again.