Senegal defeat hosts Morocco to win 2025 AFCON

The Teranga Lions of Senegal have beaten hosts Morocco to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.

After the drama of a brief boycott and a penalty save from Edouard Mendy, Pape Gueye scored in the first half of extra time to secure the victory for Senegal.

The Villarreal player, who was unchallenged, scored the decisive goal with his left foot after pouncing on a loose ball in the middle of the park.

Brahim Diaz had a chance to take his goal tally to six in the tournament but missed after attempting a Panenka penalty.

Senegal have now won their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy, having previously lost in the 2002 and 2019 finals to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Desert Foxes of Algeria, respectively.

Morocco, on the other hand, have lost their second Africa Cup of Nations final after also losing the 2004 edition against Tunisia.

For most football fans, however, the main talking points will be Senegal’s brief attempt to boycott the match and the performance of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was awarded the CAF Fair Play Award. Bono and Brahim Diaz received the Golden Glove and Golden Boot awards, respectively, while Senegal star Sadio Mane was crowned Player of the Tournament.

JE