By Ben Efe 18.1.2026
Senegal’s Teranga Lions are champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after they beat Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a game marred by controversy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Referring issues favouring the home side cropped up again to ruin an evening of African football. But Pape Gueye put the Atlas Lions to sword with his thunderous strike from outside the box sending shock waves around the Stadium and beyond. Moroccans fans became speechlessly numb.
Before this knockout blow there was an epic drama as a penalty kick was awarded to the Moroccans in the stoppage time with scores remaining goalless. This was after Ismaila Sarr goal was chalked off without a VAR review.
Senegal stormed out the field refusing to continue. The game was held up for 20 minutes, Senegal reluctantly return to the pitch but incredibly Brahim Diaz missed from the spot with a tame panenka, which Edouard Mendy calmly collected. It’s a kick that will haunt Diaz for a long time.
Sadio Mane who had begged his teammates to come back and play will later launch a counter attack which set Gueye on the run into the Moroccan area to deliver his thunder bolt
The back breaking goal is the first goal Morocco has conceded in open play since March last year. It also shattered their dream of winning their second trophy since 1976. Senegal thanking their stars delightfully went on to collect their second title.
Awards:
Brahim Diaz: top goalscorer
Yassine Bounou: best goalkeeper.
Sadio Mane: player of the tournament.
