The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 final produced high drama on Sunday, January 18, as Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift their second continental title. The final, played in Rabat, was marked by controversy, missed chances, and a decisive goal in extra time.
Senegal Clinch AFCON 2025 Title After Intense Battle
Senegal showed great resilience and composure to overcome Morocco in a tense final. The match remained goalless at the end of 90 minutes, despite several close chances for both sides. The game then moved into extra time after a dramatic late incident involving a penalty decision.
To celebrate Senegal’s #AFCON2025 final victory over Morocco, Twitter / X has changed the Like button! 🏆🇸🇳
Double tap to check 💛 💛 💛 #Senegal #AFCONFinal #AFCON2025Final #SENMAR #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/N2ytjyoBhD
— Baatein Stock Ki (@BaateinStockKi) January 18, 2026
In the final moments of regular time, Morocco were awarded a penalty. The decision sparked anger among Senegal’s players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest, believing the call was unfair. After discussions with officials, Senegal returned to the field and the match resumed.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty and attempted a panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy produced a crucial save. The miss proved to be a turning point, sending the final into extra time.
Pape Gueye Scores the Winning Goal in Extra Time.
The decisive moment came in the 94th minute. Pape Gueye collected a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye, drove into the Moroccan penalty area, and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. That goal was enough to secure victory for the Teranga Lions.
You can’t touch this.
The Moroccan heartbreak#SENMAR#AFCON2025pic.twitter.com/YZEo9lZhsZ— Gochel (@G0chel) January 18, 2026
Senegal Celebrate Second AFCON Triumph
At full-time, Senegal’s players celebrated passionately after sealing a historic win. This victory marked Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title, following their triumph in 2022. They have now won two of the last three AFCON tournaments, underlining their status as one of Africa’s strongest teams.
Coach and Players React After Historic Win
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw praised his players for their determination and preparation. He admitted that the walk-off protest was an emotional reaction and apologised for it, saying the team accepted that referee mistakes can happen.
Sadio Mané said he gave everything in the final, believing it could be his last AFCON match. He added that while he personally disagreed with the penalty decision, the team chose to respect the referee and continue playing, which ultimately paid off.
Drop a like for Sadio Mane #AFCON2025 #SENMAR pic.twitter.com/TDCXthOofb
— (fan) Beeb (@AFC_Beeb) January 18, 2026
Morocco were left devastated as their long wait for an AFCON title continued. The hosts have not won the tournament in more than 50 years, and their next opportunity will come in 2027, when the competition is held across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the final was decided by small details and pointed to the missed penalty as a key moment. He expressed sympathy for Moroccan fans and promised that the team would return stronger.
They lifted their hero. He lifted the trophy. Senegal’s dream, led by Mané. 🇸🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/dulw6TCEY3
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final was a match filled with emotion, controversy, and decisive moments. Pape Gueye’s goal and Édouard Mendy’s penalty save proved crucial, as Senegal lifted their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy and further cemented their place among Africa’s football elite.
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