The Teranga Lions of Senegal have emerged champions of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco after beating the host nation 1-0 in a keenly contested and controversial final match.
Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal was all the Senegalese needed to lift the much-coveted glory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.
They had stormed off the pitch in added time following a penalty award to Morocco in the closing minutes.
The 2021 AFCON champions protested the award of the controversial penalty awarded Morocco in the eighth minute of added time.
El Hadji Malick Diouf appeared to drag Brahim Diaz by the neck from a corner kick and Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo DR Congo referee awarded Morocco the penalty following a VAR review.
Pape Thiaw, Senegal coach, called the players off the pitch following an on-field melee with the referee and Morocco’s players.
The standoff lasted 13 minutes, with Sadio Mane calling his compatriots back to the pitch.
Brahim Diaz missed the resultant penalty, as Senegal forced extra-time where they stunned Morocco with the winner.
Pape Gueye scored a screamer following a counter attack led by Mane in the fourth minute of extra-time to silence the hosts, and the Teranga Lions held on to claim their second AFCON title in three tournaments.