The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to a thunderous close on January 18, 2026, and what a way to end it. In front of a passionate, packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Senegal stunned tournament hosts Morocco with a 1-0 extra-time victory to claim their second AFCON title in five editions (following their 2021 triumph). The final had it all: tactical tension, a missed last-gasp penalty, players walking off the pitch in protest, and a moment of pure magic from Pape Gueye.
The Road to the Final.
Morocco entered as heavy favorites, ranked Africa’s top side, riding high after their 2022 World Cup semi-final heroics, playing at home, and backed by huge investment in football infrastructure. The Atlas Lions powered through the tournament with flair and steel, led by Brahim Díaz’s five goals (making him the competition’s top scorer).
Senegal, meanwhile, showed once again why they remain one of Africa’s most consistent big-game teams under coach Aliou Cissé. Sadio Mané, who had already declared this would be his last AFCON, led by example, creating the most open-play chances in the tournament (18) and earning Player of the Tournament honors despite only scoring twice. Edouard Mendy’s heroics in goal and a rock-solid defense kept them in every match.
The final itself was cagey, a classic heavyweight clash with few clear chances in normal time. Iliman Ndiaye missed Senegal’s best first-half opportunity, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi prodded wide from a great position.
The Chaos: Walk-Off, Penalty Drama & Mendy Magic.
The match exploded in the dying moments of regulation time. A controversial late penalty was awarded to Morocco after VAR review. Senegal’s players, incensed by the decision, briefly walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a 14-minute delay and farcical scenes rarely seen in a major final.
Mané was instrumental in coaxing his teammates back onto the field. When play resumed, Brahim Díaz, the man who had carried Morocco’s attack, stepped up for what could have been the title-winning kick. Under enormous pressure, he attempted a chipped Panenka down the middle… and Edouard Mendy simply stood his ground to make an easy save. The stadium fell silent.
Pape Gueye’s Moment of Glory.
Extra time arrived, and Senegal seized their chance. In the 94th minute, midfielder Pape Gueye (on loan at Villarreal) produced a moment of individual brilliance, a stunning strike that flew past Yassine Bounou to make it 1-0. It was the first goal ever scored by Senegal in an AFCON final (their previous wins came via clean sheets and penalties).
Morocco pushed hard for an equalizer, Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar, but the Teranga Lions held firm to spark wild celebrations. Senegal became the first team in the 24-team AFCON era to win the title without needing a shootout.
Key Awards & Standout Performers.
- Player of the Tournament: Sadio Mané (Senegal)
- Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
- Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
- Fair Play Award: Morocco
What It Means Moving Forward.
Senegal cement their status as a modern African powerhouse, two titles since 2021, consistent semi-final/final appearances, and now momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
For Morocco, the wait for a first AFCON title since 1976 continues. The pain of losing a home final, especially after Díaz’s miss will sting, but their infrastructure and talent pool mean they’ll be back stronger.
The tournament wasn’t without criticism (some called it predictable until the final chaos), but that ending ensured AFCON 2025 will live long in the memory. African football at its most intense, unpredictable, and emotional.
What did you make of the final? Was the walk-off justified? Is Mané Africa’s greatest-ever player? Drop your thoughts in the comments, let’s discuss!
