In a final that will be remembered as much for its explosive drama as its football, Senegal has been crowned the kings of Africa for the second time. A 94th-minute extra-time rocket from Pape Gueye secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco, but the match was nearly abandoned following a “shameful” collapse of order in Rabat.
From a saved Panenka penalty to players storming off the pitch, the 2025 AFCON final delivered a cinematic—and at times disgraceful—end to the continental showpiece.
The Moment the Game Broke: The Penalty Scandal
With the match stalemated at 0-0 in the 98th minute of normal time, chaos erupted.
- The Incident: Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty via VAR for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
- The Walk-Off: Infuriated by the decision—and a previously disallowed goal of their own—the Senegal team walked off the pitch in protest.
- The Stands: Clashes broke out as frustrated fans threw chairs and attempted to storm the field, requiring a massive police intervention to restore a fragile peace.
The Turning Point: The Failed Panenka
After a 10-minute delay, Senegal icon Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return. What followed was a moment of pure sporting theater:
- Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz attempted a cheeky ‘Panenka’ chip to win the trophy.
- A composed Edouard Mendy stood his ground, easily catching the weak effort and shifting the momentum entirely toward the Lions of Teranga.
Gueye’s Extra-Time Heroics
Energized by the penalty save, Senegal struck early in extra time. A brilliant transition saw Pape Gueye unleash a clinical strike into the top corner, silencing the 66,000-strong crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Despite Morocco hitting the crossbar in the dying minutes, the Atlas Lions’ 50-year wait for a title continues.
The Aftermath: Quotes from the Camp
Walid Regragui (Morocco Coach): “The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy.”
Pape Gueye (Match Winner): “We had a feeling of injustice… Sadio [Mane] told us to come back on and we remobilized. We stayed focused, got the goal, and won the game.”
