AfriPulse
Senegal were on Sunday crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a tense 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat, surviving a late onslaught to seal continental glory.
At the final whistle, Senegal’s players collapsed in celebration, with captain Sadio Mane sprinting towards the touchline as the West African side held on to deny Morocco on home soil.
The final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was decided by a solitary goal in extra time, but the closing stages were dominated by Moroccan pressure as the hosts pushed desperately for an equaliser.
Morocco came agonisingly close in the second period of extra time when Nayef Aguerd powered a header against the crossbar from a corner, beating goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but not the woodwork. The rebound sparked chaos in the Senegal penalty area, yet the visitors’ defence stood firm to clear the danger.
Senegal also had chances to put the contest beyond doubt. Cherif Ndiaye squandered a remarkable opportunity in the 114th minute after rounding goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. His initial effort was blocked, and with the goal gaping, the forward somehow dragged his follow-up wide, keeping Morocco’s hopes alive.
Earlier, Bounou had produced another vital save, tipping Pape Gueye’s long-range strike over the bar, while Gana Gueye volleyed narrowly wide as Senegal sought breathing space.
As the clock ticked down, Senegal dropped deeper, focusing on possession and game management, while Morocco threw bodies forward in search of a dramatic late equaliser. A dangerous free kick from the edge of the box was comfortably gathered by Mendy, and despite three minutes of added time, the hosts could not find a way through.
When the final whistle sounded after 120 minutes, it confirmed Senegal’s hard-fought triumph and heartbreak for Morocco, who fell just short in front of their home supporters.
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