The AFCON 2025 Final Senegal vs Morocco will go down as one of the most controversial, emotionally charged, and unforgettable nights in African football history.

 

The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will go down as one of the most controversial, emotionally charged, and unforgettable nights in African football history. This was not just a football match — it was a spectacle of drama, chaos, walk‑offs, VAR controversy, and a missed Panenka penalty that changed everything.

Played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Morocco as host nation, the final had everything fans expect from the African Cup of Nations — intensity, passion, controversy, and heartbreak. In the end, Senegal defeated Morocco 1‑0 in extra time, lifting their second AFCON trophy, but the scoreline tells only a fraction of the story.

This is a full 360‑degree breakdown of the AFCON 2025 final — what happened, why it exploded into chaos, tactical analysis, referee decisions, player reactions, and what this result means for African football going forward.

• Winner: Senegal 🇸🇳
• Runner‑up: Morocco 🇲🇦
• Winning Goal: Pape Gueye (Extra Time)
• Key Moment: Brahim Díaz missed Panenka penalty (Saved by Edouard Mendy)

Senegal are crowned AFCON champions, while Morocco are left stunned — not only by defeat, but by the way the night spiraled out of control.

A Final Loaded With Pressure Before Kick‑Off

The Senegal vs Morocco AFCON final was already massive before a ball was kicked.

• Morocco were host nation, backed by a roaring home crowd
• Senegal were defending their reputation as Africa’s most complete team
• Star names everywhere: Sadio Mané, Brahim Díaz, Edouard Mendy, Ismaïla Sarr
• Two elite coaches: Pape Thiaw vs Walid Regragui

Everything pointed toward a tight, tactical battle. Few could have predicted that it would turn into one of the craziest finals ever seen.

First Half: Tactical Chess, No Goals

The opening 45 minutes were intense but cautious.

Morocco’s Approach

Morocco dominated possession, building patiently from the back. Brahim Díaz drifted between the lines, while Hakimi pushed aggressively down the right. However, Senegal’s defensive structure stayed compact.

Senegal’s Game Plan

Senegal were happy to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr stretched Morocco’s backline, while Idrissa Gueye controlled midfield battles.

Despite chances at both ends, the half ended 0‑0, setting the stage for drama.

Second Half: Controversy Begins to Brew

The second half saw rising tension, controversial refereeing decisions, and mounting frustration.

Disallowed Senegal Goal

In the 92nd minute, Senegal thought they had won it. A late goal sent Senegalese players into celebration — only for it to be chalked off for a foul in the buildup.

Crucially, no VAR check was shown, sparking outrage on the Senegal bench.

The Moment That Changed Everything: Morocco’s Penalty

In the 98th minute, VAR intervened.

After a long review, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for contact inside the box.

What followed was pure chaos.

Senegal Walk Off the Pitch

• Senegal players surrounded the referee
• Head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch
• The Senegal squad walked into the dressing room in protest
• Play was paused for nearly 15 minutes

This unprecedented moment turned the AFCON final into global headline news.

Brahim Díaz and the Panenka That Haunts Morocco

After the delay, Senegal eventually returned to the pitch.

Brahim Díaz stepped up.

Instead of power or placement, he attempted a Panenka penalty — the boldest and riskiest choice imaginable in an AFCON final.

Edouard Mendy’s Hero Moment

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stayed calm, waited… and saved it.

The stadium fell silent.

That single moment psychologically shattered Morocco and completely flipped the momentum.

Extra Time: Senegal Smell Blood

With Morocco emotionally drained, Senegal took control in extra time.

Pape Gueye’s Title‑Winning Goal

In the first period of extra time, Pape Gueye struck decisively, finishing from inside the box after sustained pressure.

• 1‑0 Senegal
• Moroccan defenders frozen
• Senegal bench erupts

From there, Senegal managed the game professionally, shutting down Morocco’s attacks.

Final Whistle: Senegal Crowned AFCON Champions

At full time, scenes of contrast filled the stadium:

• Senegal players celebrating wildly
• Moroccan players collapsed in tears
• Brahim Díaz visibly emotional
• Angry reactions toward the referee

Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy, while Morocco were left asking painful questions.

Refereeing & VAR: A Final Marred by Controversy

The AFCON 2025 final reignited debate about VAR consistency in African football.

Key Complaints

• Senegal goal disallowed without clear VAR explanation
• Morocco penalty awarded after long delay
• Inconsistent foul interpretation
• Match control lost in final minutes

Morocco coach Walid Regragui later described the scenes as “shameful”, while Senegal officials questioned fairness.

Individual Performances That Defined the Night

⭐ Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Saved the Panenka penalty. Commanded his area. A champion’s performance.

⭐ Pape Gueye (Senegal)

Midfield engine and match‑winner. His goal sealed history.

⭐ Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

Brilliant movement all game — but the missed penalty will define his night.

⭐ Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

Controlled midfield chaos with experience and calm.

What This Win Means for Senegal

• Second AFCON title in history
• Confirms Senegal as Africa’s dominant force
• Boosts confidence ahead of World Cup 2026 qualifiers
• Reinforces winning mentality post‑Mané era transition

Senegal are no longer challengers — they are serial winners.

What This Loss Means for Morocco

• Missed golden chance at home
• Painful psychological blow
• Questions over penalty decision‑making
• Pressure heading into future AFCON tournaments

Morocco remain elite — but this final will haunt them for years.

AFCON 2025 Final: A Night That Will Never Be Forgotten

The Senegal vs Morocco AFCON final had everything:

• Walk‑offs
• VAR chaos
• A missed Panenka
• Extra‑time drama
• Tears, outrage, glory

This wasn’t just a final — it was African football at its most raw and emotional.

One team lifted the trophy. Another lost more than just a match.

And the football world will be talking about AFCON 2025 for a very long time.

Final Verdict

🔥 Craziest AFCON Final Ever? Very Possibly.

If football is about emotion, controversy, and unforgettable moments — this final delivered it all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – AFCON 2025 Final Senegal vs Morocco

Who won the AFCON 2025 final?

Senegal won the AFCON 2025 final, defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The winning goal was scored by Pape Gueye.

Why was the AFCON 2025 final controversial?

The final was marred by multiple controversies, including a disallowed Senegal goal, a late VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco, and an unprecedented moment where Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest of the referee’s decision.

What happened with Brahim Díaz’s penalty?

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka penalty late in stoppage time after a 15-minute delay. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, a moment that completely shifted the momentum of the match.

Why did Senegal walk off the pitch?

Senegal players and coaching staff strongly disagreed with the referee’s decision to award Morocco a penalty after VAR intervention. In protest, the team left the pitch and went to the dressing room, causing a long delay.

Who scored the winning goal for Senegal?

Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the first period of extra time, securing Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title.

Where was the AFCON 2025 final played?

The final took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with Morocco playing as the host nation.

How many times has Senegal won the AFCON?

With this victory, Senegal have now won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, further establishing themselves as one of Africa’s dominant football nations.

What did Morocco coach Walid Regragui say after the match?

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui criticized the officiating and described the scenes during the final as “shameful,” expressing frustration over refereeing inconsistency.

Why did Brahim Díaz attempt a Panenka in such a crucial moment?

The Panenka is often used to show confidence, but in a high-pressure final, the decision proved costly. Many analysts believe the choice reflected overconfidence or emotional pressure following the long delay.

Is this considered the craziest AFCON final ever?

Many fans, players, and analysts have called the Senegal vs Morocco AFCON 2025 final the craziest final in AFCON history due to the walk-off, VAR drama, penalty miss, and extra-time winner.

What does this win mean for Senegal going forward?

The victory strengthens Senegal’s status as Africa’s top football powerhouse and boosts confidence heading into World Cup 2026 qualifiers and future AFCON tournaments.

Will the AFCON 2025 final be remembered long-term?

Absolutely. This final is expected to be remembered as one of the most dramatic, controversial, and emotionally intense matches in African football history.

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