RABAT — In one of the most extraordinary and contentious finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time on January 18, 2026, to claim their second continental title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Pape Gueye's stunning strike four minutes into extra time sealed the victory for the Teranga Lions, but the match will be remembered primarily for prolonged stoppages, a highly disputed late penalty decision, and unprecedented scenes where Senegal's players briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
The encounter, played under pouring rain in front of a capacity crowd of over 66,000, was a tense, low-scoring affair throughout regulation time. Both teams — Africa's top-ranked side in Morocco and the resilient, defensively solid Senegal — prioritized caution, resulting in few clear-cut chances. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy made key saves, including denying Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Gueye early on, while Morocco's Yassine Bounou kept his side in the game with sharp interventions.
Senegal’s players celebrate their victory at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
The drama erupted deep into stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, Senegal appeared to have snatched a late winner when Ismaila Sarr headed home after Abdoulaye Seck's effort hit the post. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo) had already blown for a foul by Seck on Achraf Hakimi, disallowing the goal without VAR intervention — a decision that infuriated the Senegalese camp.
Moments later, in the eighth minute of injury time, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz during a corner. The call, deemed highly contentious by many observers, ignited fury among Senegal's players, who surrounded the referee in protest. Coach Pape Thiaw appeared to instruct his team to leave the field, leading to chaotic scenes as players headed toward the tunnel. Fans in the stands clashed with security, and the match was halted for approximately 15-16 minutes.
Sadio Mané, Senegal's talisman who had hinted this could be his final AFCON appearance, played a pivotal role in calming the situation. He urged his teammates back onto the pitch, and after a tense standoff, the game resumed. Brahim Díaz, under immense pressure to deliver Morocco's first continental crown since 1976, stepped up for the penalty. Opting for an audacious Panenka chip, he was easily saved by Mendy, who stood firm and caught the ball cleanly, sending the Senegal bench into raptures.
The momentum shift proved decisive. Four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye collected a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye, surged forward, and unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from 20 yards into the top corner — the first goal scored by Senegal in an AFCON final across their four appearances in the showpiece event. The strike stunned the home crowd into silence and proved the winner, as Senegal defended resiliently thereafter. Morocco came close to equalizing when Nayef Aguerd headed against the bar from a corner, but the Teranga Lions held firm to secure the title.
Senegal's victory marks their second AFCON triumph in the last three editions (following their 2021 win on penalties against Egypt) and establishes them as one of the continent's dominant forces in recent years. They are the first team in the 24-team era to win the tournament without requiring a penalty shootout. The triumph comes despite pre-final tensions, including concerns raised by the Senegalese Football Federation about security upon arrival in Rabat.
For Morocco, the defeat extended their wait for a second AFCON title to 50 years, a painful outcome after heavy investment in football infrastructure and talent development. The Atlas Lions, fresh from their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run, had entered the tournament with high expectations as hosts and favorites. Coach Walid Regragui later expressed disappointment in the match's image, while congratulating Senegal.
The final's chaotic conclusion has sparked widespread debate about refereeing standards, VAR usage, and the conduct of teams and fans. Senegal's walk-off, while brief, drew criticism as a poor advert for African football, especially with Morocco positioning the tournament as a showcase ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. CAF officials are expected to review the incidents, focusing on player behavior, security management, and officiating decisions.
Post-match, Senegal celebrated exuberantly despite the rain, with Mané lifting the trophy after captain Kalidou Koulibaly (suspended for the final) handed it over. Individual honors included Mané as Player of the Tournament, Yassine Bounou as Best Goalkeeper, and Brahim Díaz topping the goalscoring charts.
This edition of the AFCON, hosted entirely by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featured high-stakes matches and record prize money, underscoring the growing stature of the competition. Senegal's resilience in overcoming adversity — both on and off the pitch — cements their status as continental champions, while the final's farcical elements ensure it will be discussed for years to come.
As African football looks ahead to the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the 2025 final serves as a reminder of the passion, drama, and unpredictability that define the continent's premier competition.
