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The Teranga Lions of Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history, beating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a gripping Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finale, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The match had been finely balanced from the opening whistle. Morocco were chasing a first continental crown in over five decades, while Senegal sought to reclaim the title they first lifted in 2021.
Senegal started the brighter side, controlling the tempo and creating the clearer chances in the first half. Moments later, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou reacted sharply to keep out Gueye’s header, before producing a brilliant one-on-one save to deny Iliman Ndiaye.
At the other end, the hosts’ best opportunity of the half came five minutes before the break, when Nayef Aguerd narrowly failed to connect with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s teasing cross that flashed across the face of goal.
The Atlas Lions emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. Ayoub El Kaabi was presented with a golden chance when Bilal El Khannouss threaded a defence-splitting pass through the Senegal back line, but the forward could not keep his effort on target.
Morocco pressed relentlessly, yet couldn’t find their cutting edge in the final third. Senegal, dangerous on the counter, almost struck late in normal time. In the 89th minute, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye curled an effort towards the far corner, but Bounou saved brilliantly.
The hosts had come agonisingly close to settling the contest at the end of regulation time. Awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, the hosts were denied when Edward Mendy stopped Brahim Diaz’s attempt forcing the final beyond the 90 minutes.
With no breakthrough after 90 minutes, extra time beckoned, and Senegal needed little time to strike. A turnover in midfield saw Sadio Mané cleverly back-heel the ball into the path of Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye.
Showing strength and composure, the midfielder drove to the edge of the box before firing an unstoppable shot beyond Bounou. The goal sent the Senegalese bench into raptures and silencing a packed stadium desperate for a long-awaited home triumph.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser. Diaz nearly redeemed his earlier penalty miss with a close-range effort saved by Mendy, while Youssef En-Nesyri came inches away with a diving header that drifted narrowly wide.
Senegal could even have doubled their lead late on, but Bounou again denied Pape Cherif Ndiaye from close range, with the substitute also failing to convert the rebound.
In the end, Senegal held firm, defending with resilience and maturity to see out a historic victory, sealing their second AFCON title and once again affirming their place among the continent’s elite.
In front of a passionate home crowd, the Lions of Teranga showed composure, resilience and champion mentality, withstanding relentless Moroccan pressure before delivering the decisive moment that settled a final worthy of African football’s biggest stage.
For Senegal, this triumph confirms a golden era— at the summit of African football and another chapter of history written with discipline, belief and collective strength.
Morocco pushed until the very end, but Senegal’s defensive resolve and big-game experience proved decisive as the trophy heads to Dakar once more. Africa has a champion again—and Senegal stand tall at the summit of the continent.