The AFCON 2025 came to and end on Sunday night, and it was a climax…
The Teranga Lions of Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, had virtually everything. From the first blast of the whistle, both teams went for it; they attacked each other relentlessly while managing to maintain their tactical shape.
However, the real drama unfolded in stoppage time when Senegal had a goal wrongfully chalked off by the referee.
Just four minutes later, the situation escalated further due to a contentious penalty call in favor of Morocco.
This decision incensed the Senegalese players, who were initially instructed to leave the pitch by coach Pape Thiaw. However, after a ten-minute standoff, they returned to the field.
Morocco were presented with a golden opportunity from the spot to claim their second title, placing their hopes on Real Madrid superstar Brahim Díaz.
Unfortunately for the hosts, he failed to deliver; his attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy with joyous aplomb.
The game proceeded into extra time, where the Teranga Lions truly demonstrated their doggedness, confidence, and impeccable mentality.
Pape Gueye struck a scorcher from outside the box to put his side ahead just four minutes into intra time.
Pape Gueye's winner. 🇸🇳
A @royalairmaroc Top View. ✈️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/8HZJ1StEsc
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 19, 2026
Following the goal, Morocco took charge, desperately trying to conjure an equalizer, but they were met by a stout Senegalese backline. After 120 minutes of high-octane football, the match ended 1-0 in Senegal's favour, and they sealed their status as Kings of Africa.
Morocco and Senegal Dominate Individual Awards at AFCON 2025
Following the final, CAF announced the winners of the individual awards at AFCON 2025, but notably, no Nigerian player made the list.
Despite his penalty miss in the final, Brahim Díaz finished the tournament with five goals — the highest tally of the competition — earning him the Golden Boot.
Brahim Díaz.
The @PUMA Top Scorer with 5 goals. 🌟🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/fibA20EaKf— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Victor Osimhen trailed with four goals and might have presented a solid challenge had he featured in the third-place match against Egypt, but he remained an unused substitute.
Morocco win the Fair Play Team of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/dUQdXfKbPB
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Morocco received the Fair Play Award, typically reserved for the team demonstrating exemplary conduct and discipline on the pitch.
Yassine Bounou. 🌟🧤
Best Goalkeeper of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/fpt86NQPPt
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou took home the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper, having kept a tournament-high five clean sheets. Stanley Nwabali was a strong contender but finished with four shutouts.
Finally, the Player of the Tournament award went to none other than Senegal’s Sadio Mané. He carried his team to the title on his shoulders, performing brilliantly throughout the competition.
Even in the final, he put in a tireless shift; at 33 years old, the former Liverpool man showed no signs of slowing down.
This will be Senegal's second AFCON title. But the glory won't last. They will have to defend it in 2027.
