Senegal has won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a tightly contested final on Sunday night in Rabat. The match between the top-two ranked countries on the continent was a closely fought affair, with no goals scored in the first half.
As the second half progressed, it seemed likely that the game would end in a 0-0 draw, but a significant moment occurred when Ismaila Sarr’s header was disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. The game took another dramatic turn in the 97th minute when Morocco was awarded a penalty, sparking controversy and tension. The Senegalese players initially walked off the pitch, but eventually, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. However, his attempt, a weak panenka, was saved by goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy.
The match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored a sublime left-footed goal, securing the championship for the West African team. This victory marks a significant achievement for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been a showcase of talented teams and players from across the continent, with Senegal and Morocco demonstrating their skills and determination throughout the tournament. The final match, played in front of a packed stadium in Rabat, highlighted the strong rivalry and competitive spirit between the two teams.
With this win, Senegal has reinforced its position as a leading football nation in Africa, and the team’s success is expected to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country. The Africa Cup of Nations has once again demonstrated its importance as a premier international football tournament, promoting unity, competition, and excellence in African football.