By Chiagoziem Abosi
Rabat, Morocco, What a night. This AFCON final had it all tension, controversy, heartbreak, triumph, and unforgettable drama. At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco after extra time in a final that will be talked about for years.
Drama From Start to Finish
From the opening whistle, both teams knew what was at stake. Morocco, looking to lift their first AFCON trophy since 1976, had home support and momentum. Senegal, chasing their second title in three editions, came in confident and calm.
The game stayed tight through the regular 90 minutes a tactical, end-to-end battle with chances at both ends but no goals. As stoppage time ticked on, Morocco was awarded a penalty after a VAR check, sparking wild reactions from players and fans alike. Senegal’s squad briefly walked off the pitch in protest, and the situation paused play for nearly 20 minutes. When play finally resumed, Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz stepped up… and attempted a Panenka-style chip that sailed easily into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Mendy’s save kept the game level and sent it into extra time.
Extra Time Heroics and Historic Triumph
Just three minutes into extra time, the breakthrough finally came. A slick move saw Pape Gueye find space and fire a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. That strike in the 94th minute proved to be the decisive moment. Senegal held on, defending with discipline and nerve, to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.
The win marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title in recent history, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s elite football nations. Fans celebrated wildly back in Dakar with music, dancing, stories and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
A Final That Will Be Remembered
This final won’t be remembered just for the goal. It was a game of emotion, controversy and passion moments that define African football. From the dramatic pause after the penalty award to the thunderous celebration after Gueye’s winner, this match had fans on their feet until the final whistle.
Despite the disappointment for Morocco and the heartbreak of coming so close on home soil the match showed once again why AFCON captures the imagination of the entire continent.
The Legacy of AFCON 2025
This AFCON final will go down in history as one of the most dramatic in years. Senegal’s triumph adds a new chapter to their football legacy, while Morocco’s runners-up finish proves they are still one of Africa’s strongest sides, even if the hunger for a long-awaited title continues.
As the cheers fade and the dust settles on a thrilling tournament, fans across Africa are already asking the big questions:
Is this the moment African football cemented itself as truly unpredictable and unmissable?
Will Senegal go on to carry this momentum into the World Cup?
And how long will this final be talked about in yards, lounges and offices across the continent?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, who impressed you most in the final, and what will you remember from this unforgettable night in Rabat?
