In a night of high-stakes drama and tactical intensity, Senegal secured their place at the summit of African football by defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The match, held at a packed stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026, required extra time to separate the two continental giants after a scoreless 90 minutes.
The breakthrough came early in the first half of extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye found the back of the net, scoring the decisive goal that would ultimately hand Senegal the trophy.
VAR Drama and Mendy’s Heroics
While Gueye provided the goal, the match was defined by a late-game surge from the hosts and a moment of extreme tension involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Late in the contest, Morocco was awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR review that brought the game to a standstill.
With the weight of the nation on his shoulders, Morocco’s star forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, Senegal’s veteran goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a stunning save to deny the equalizer. Despite relentless pressure from the Moroccan side in the closing minutes, Senegal’s defense remained unbroken until the final whistle.
AFCON 2025: Official Honors and Award Winners
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the individual and collective honors for the competition.
The Podium
| Position | Nation |
| Champions | Senegal |
| Runners-up | Morocco |
| Third Place | Nigeria |
Individual Awards
- Player of the Tournament: Sadio Mané (Senegal) – The captain was instrumental throughout the campaign, contributing two goals and providing the veteran leadership necessary to navigate the knockout stages.
- Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – Despite the penalty heartbreak, Diaz finished the tournament with an impressive five goals across seven appearances.
- Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Recognized for his consistent shot-stopping and decisive performances that led the hosts to the final.
- Fair Play Award: Morocco – Awarded for the team’s discipline and conduct throughout the month-long competition.
A Memorable Conclusion in Rabat
The 2025 AFCON will be remembered for its mix of world-class skill and controversial moments. While the home fans in Rabat left disappointed, the tournament succeeded in showcasing the rising quality of African football.
Senegal’s victory cements their status as a dominant force on the continent, while Morocco’s strong run confirms their position as a global footballing power.
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