In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday night. The game was tainted by controversy, protracted stoppages, and players momentarily fleeing the field.
Senegalese players protested after Morocco was granted a controversial penalty after a VAR review, which ended the thrilling final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium late in regulation time.
Play was stopped for several minutes when Senegalese players swarmed the referee following the penalty, which was given far into stoppage time.
After match officials and security staff intervened, players from both sides eventually left the pitch and came back.
Tensions inside the stadium increased when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty and Senegalese custodian Edouard Mendy stopped his attempted Panenka.
The game went into extra time in a heated environment after regulation time finished without a goal. In the ninetieth minute, Pape Gueye’s strong long-range shot into the top corner gave Senegal the lead.
In a final that included lengthy delays, violent exchanges, and numerous VAR interventions, Senegal prevailed despite Morocco’s drive for an equaliser, hitting the crossbar and requiring late saves.
Due to stoppages brought on by protests, referee deliberations, and crowd disturbances, the game went far longer than planned.
After one of the most dramatic and contentious AFCON finals in recent memory, played in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Rabat, Senegal’s victory crowned them African champions.
