Senegal Win AFCON 2025 in Extraordinary Final as Controversy Overshadows Triumph

In what will go down as one of the most dramatic and talked-about finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal has been crowned AFCON 2025 champions, defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time — in a match marked by intense drama, controversy and unforgettable moments. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

🏆 Historic Victory for the Teranga Lions

Senegal lifted the coveted AFCON trophy after a tense and closely contested final at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The winning moment came in extra time when Pape Gueye thundered a stunning strike into the top corner in the 94th minute, securing the title for Senegal and sparking wild celebrations among the visiting supporters. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

This triumph adds to Senegal’s growing legacy in African football—their second AFCON title in three editions—highlighted by discipline, tactical brilliance, and resilience throughout the tournament. (The Guardian)

⚽ Controversy Erupts Over Late Penalty Call

What should have been a classic final quickly turned into chaos late in stoppage time of regular play. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco following a challenge on Brahim Díaz in the box — a decision that ignited furious protest from the Senegal camp. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

In an extraordinary moment, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw instructed most of his players to walk off the pitch in protest, believing the decision was unfair — a rare and unprecedented scene at a major final. Players briefly headed down the tunnel amid shouting and tension before captain Sadio Mané convinced the team to return and finish the match. (Yahoo Sports)

🧤 Penalty Drama and Turning Point

After the stoppage-time standoff, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the spot-kick—but opted for a risky Panenka attempt that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, preserving the deadlock and sending the match into extra time. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

That moment proved pivotal. Just minutes into the added period, Senegal pounced—Gueye’s brilliant strike proved decisive and ultimately clinched the title. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

🔥 Tension Before Kick-Off

The controversies did not start in extra time. In the days leading up to the final, Senegal had publicly criticised aspects of the host nation’s preparations, alleging inadequate security on arrival, substandard accommodation, and a limited ticket allocation—with just 2,850 tickets given to Senegalese supporters in a stadium of nearly 70,000. These concerns fueled tension in the buildup to the final. (Firstpost)

🏟️ What Fans Are Saying

Social media has exploded with reaction from fans across Africa and around the world. Some praise Senegal’s refusal to accept what they saw as poor officiating, while others criticise the walk-off as unprofessional — fuelling heated online debates on fairness, refereeing and the state of African football. (Reddit)

📌 Senegal’s Place in History

Despite the controversy, Senegal’s victory is a major achievement, showcasing the team’s mental strength in a cauldron-like atmosphere. Fans and pundits alike will remember not just Pape Gueye’s spectacular goal but also the emotional roller coaster that defined this final—a climax that will be debated for years to come. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

🔥 BreakingPointNews.com will continue to bring you in-depth analysis, reaction pieces and exclusive fan voices from across Africa as the conversation around this extraordinary final unfolds.