Senegal has been crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the second time, defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The victory, secured on Sunday night, marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, adding to their previous triumph in 2022. The 2025 AFCON final was a match filled with tension, disputed decisions, and raw emotions, captivating football fans across the continent.

The final kicked off with high intensity, with Senegal asserting early dominance. Five minutes into the game, Pape Gueye's header from a cross was denied by Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Senegal continued to create clearer opportunities throughout the first half, with Iliman Ndiaye also going close after a pass from Nicolas Jackson, only to be thwarted by Bounou once more. Morocco struggled to find their rhythm, failing to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, as Senegal controlled possession and territory but couldn't find the breakthrough.

After half-time, Morocco, under coach Walid Regragui, significantly improved. They pressed higher and increased their tempo, forcing Senegal into more defensive positions and testing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. However, Mendy remained composed and was well-protected by his defense, preventing Morocco from gaining an equal footing in the game.

The match reached a peak of chaos in stoppage time. Senegal initially believed they had taken the lead in the 91st minute through Ismaila Sarr, but the goal was disallowed following a foul in the build-up. Shortly after, a VAR review led to the referee, Jean–Jacques Ndala, awarding Morocco a penalty, a decision that sparked strong protests from the Senegalese players. In an unprecedented move, Senegal's players briefly walked off the pitch on the instructions of head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The standoff lasted approximately 13 minutes until captain Sadio Mané intervened, persuading his teammates to return to play.

Upon the resumption of play, Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the crucial penalty. However, his attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Senegal's hero, Edouard Mendy, keeping the score level and making the miss a defining moment of the final. With no goals scored in regular time, the match proceeded to extra time.

Four minutes into extra time, Senegal finally broke the deadlock. Pape Gueye struck a powerful effort past Bounou, giving the Teranga Lions the decisive lead and silencing the home crowd. Morocco pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Senegal defended resolutely, with Mendy continuing to deny the Atlas Lions. Despite intense late pressure, Morocco was unable to find a goal, and Senegal successfully saw out the match, securing their second continental title.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations featured 24 teams and concluded with this memorable final. The defeat means Morocco’s wait for a second AFCON title continues, their last victory dating back to 1976. Beyond the final's drama, the tournament showcased impressive performances from various players and teams. The full awards list for AFCON 2025 recognized the following: Champions: Senegal, Runners up: Morocco, Third place: Nigeria, Fair Play Award: Morocco, Best Player: Sadio Mané (Senegal), Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Top Scorer: Brahim Díaz (Morocco).