Senegal has been crowned the champions of Africa once more, defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in a pulsating 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final that pushed both teams to their absolute limits.
In a match defined by defensive resilience and high-stakes drama, the Lions of Teranga withstood a relentless Moroccan onslaught during a frantic period of extra time to secure continental glory in front of a stunned home crowd at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
While Senegal held a slender 1-0 lead going into the final stages, the second half of extra time saw Morocco throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Senegalese goal. The hosts came agonizingly close to an equalizer when Nayef Aguerd rose highest from a corner, only to see his thunderous header crash off the crossbar—the closest the Atlas Lions came to rescuing the match.
Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, proved why he is considered one of the world’s best. Mendy was commanding in the air and produced a string of vital saves, including a point-blank denial of Youssef En-Nesyri following a brilliant through ball by Abde Ezzalzouli. Despite a late collision that required medical attention, Mendy remained on his feet to anchor a defense that refused to break.
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The closing minutes were characterized by raw desperation and physical play. Yellow cards were flashed to Senegal’s Mamadou Sarr and Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri as tempers flared.
Senegal nearly put the game beyond doubt on the counter-attack when Cherif Ndiaye found space inside the box. After his initial shot was saved, Ndiaye dragged the rebound inches wide of the post, a moment that left the Senegalese bench in agony but kept Moroccan hopes alive until the final whistle.
Nayef Aguerd’s header hits the bar in the second period of extra time. Edouard Mendy repels multiple set-piece threats and close-range headers. Walid Regragui introduced fresh legs in Brahim Díaz and Noussair Mazraoui, but Senegal responded by bringing on Ismail Jakobs to lock down the left flank while Cherif Ndiaye misses a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 on a rebound.
As the referee blew the final whistle, the Senegalese players erupted in celebration, having successfully managed the tempo through the veteran leadership of Sadio Mané. For Morocco, the defeat marks a heartbreaking end to a stellar tournament on home soil, while Senegal cements its legacy as the dominant force in modern African football.
The Lions of Teranga will now hoist the trophy in Rabat, marking their second AFCON title in recent years and setting the stage for their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
