Senegal beat Morocco to Win AFCON 2025
Sadio Mane led Teranga Lions of Senegal are the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions (AFCON 2025) after defeating the Atlas Lions of Morocco 1-0 in extra time at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
After a 0-0 draw in regulation time, the game proceeded to extra time, and the Senegalese eventually emerged victorious in the highly anticipated duel
In the third minute of added time, Senegal scored through Abdoulaye Seck, but the goal was ruled out due to an infringement in the build-up. The Lions of Teranga protested; the Atlas Lions celebrated as the centre referee stood firm by his decision.
Moments after the referee ruled out Senegal’s goal, he awarded Morocco a penalty. After Diaz fell down inside the box, the referee signalled that he wanted to check the VAR, and after assessment, a penalty was awarded for the Atlas Lions.The decision saw the tension around the stadium rise; Senegal were visibly angered and left the pitch, although Mane did not.
The protest saw the game delayed for over 10 minutes before Senegal re-emerged from the dressing room and Morocco took their penalty.After a tense, prolonged moment that made the continent hold its breath, the battle was down to two men, Diaz vs Mendy, and it was the former Chelsea keeper, who emerged as the victor by saving the penalty to give Senegal another fighting chance.
Gueye is perhaps his country’s hero after he scored the goal that saw them win the tense encounter in Rabat in front of a hugely partisan crowd.The Villarreal man rose to the occasion when Senegal wanted the hero, and his goal will be remembered for generations, especially under the circumstances it was won under.
