By Our Reporter

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win against hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye scored late in a final marked by controversy and crowd trouble, AFP reports. His goal in the fourth minute of extra time quieted the 66,526 fans in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco nearly won in stoppage time when a VAR review led referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to give a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz. After a 20-minute delay due to protests and unrest in the stands, Senegal goal keeper, Edouard Mendy saved the day by obstructing Diaz’s chipped shot, setting off wild celebrations for Senegal.

The chaos followed an earlier flashpoint in which Senegal had a stoppage-time goal disallowed, further inflaming tensions. Some Senegal supporters attempted to invade the pitch before being restrained by security, with investigations expected into the conduct of fans and organisers.

Galvanised by the penalty escape, Senegal struck through Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye, who shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and curled a superb finish past Yassine Bounou. Morocco pushed for an equaliser, with Nayef Aguerd hitting the crossbar in extra time, but could not force penalties.

The win gives Senegal its second AFCON crown in three tournaments, following its maiden triumph in 2022, and remarkably marks its first-ever goal in an AFCON final after three previous scoreless appearances. For Morocco, dreams of a home triumph and a first continental title in 50 years ended in heartbreak on a cold, wet night in Rabat. (AFP)