AFCON 2025 final: Gueye’s extra-time masterclass crowns Senegal kings of Africa

Senegal are champions of Africa once again, edging past hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a gripping AFCON 2025 final at a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. From the first whistle, the contest reflected the weight of the occasion. Senegal started with authority, using the movement of Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye to stretch the Moroccan defence, while Morocco relied on patience and structure, building through possession and threatening mainly from set pieces delivered by Achraf Hakimi. Despite several promising moments at both ends, neither side found a breakthrough before the

Senegal are champions of Africa once again, edging past hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a gripping AFCON 2025 final at a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. From the first whistle, the contest reflected the weight of the occasion. Senegal started with authority, using the movement of Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye to stretch the Moroccan defence, while Morocco relied on patience and structure, building through possession and threatening mainly from set pieces delivered by Achraf Hakimi. Despite several promising moments at both ends, neither side found a breakthrough before the interval, as discipline and caution defined a tense first half. After the break, Morocco increased the intensity and began to dominate territory. Chances followed in quick succession, with Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi going close, only to be denied by last-ditch defending and the commanding presence of Edouard Mendy. The stadium held its breath deep into stoppage time when a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty. Brahim Díaz stepped up, but Mendy produced a decisive save, keeping Senegal alive and swinging momentum at a critical moment. Extra time delivered the defining moment of the final. Just minutes into the first period, Pape Gueye surged forward from midfield, skipped past challenges and unleashed a superb strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner. It was a goal of quality and conviction, instantly changing the narrative of the night. Morocco responded with relentless pressure. Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar, Youssef En-Nesyri narrowly missed with a powerful header, and a series of set pieces kept Senegal pinned deep. Yet Senegal’s defensive resolve never wavered. Mendy remained authoritative under the high ball, while the back line absorbed wave after wave of attacks in the closing minutes. When the final whistle sounded, Senegal’s composure and resilience had carried them to another continental crown. It was a victory built on patience, belief and decisive moments — a penalty saved, a moment of brilliance in extra time, and an unbreakable defensive stand under extreme pressure. For Senegal, this triumph confirms their place among Africa’s modern powers; for Morocco, a painful night that will be remembered for how close they came.