Rabat, Morocco – Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final match held Sunday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
The Senegalese team started the match with early attacking pressure, which almost resulted in an opening goal. A cross was met by Pape Gueye with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a brilliant save, turning it into a corner kick.
The Moroccan team responded with an attempt by Ismail Saibari, who fired a powerful shot that went past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s goal, without posing any real danger.
The first half saw the most dangerous chance of the match in the 37th minute, when Elman Ndiaye found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Bono’s brilliance prevented him from opening the scoring. The first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, the Moroccan team appeared more effective, and Bilal Al-Khanous sent a perfect cross to Ayoub Al-Kaabi, who shot it near the goal in the 58th minute.
In the final minutes, the referee cancelled a Senegal goal in the third minute of stoppage time, citing a foul on Abdoulaye Seck.
Minutes later, the referee used video technology and awarded a penalty kick to the Moroccan team in the 90+5 minute. However, the Senegalese players temporarily withdrew from the field in protest, before returning to complete the match after consultations led by Sadio Mane.
Ibrahim Diaz missed the penalty kick, after his weak shot was saved by goalkeeper Mendy, forcing the two teams into extra time.
The Senegalese team managed to snatch the winning goal during the first extra period, specifically in the 94th minute, through a rocket shot from Pape Gueye.
باب غايي يفتتح التسجيل لمنتخب السنغال من تسدية قوية#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا| #المغرب_السنغال#AFCON2025 | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/LY3cudLUoc
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 18, 2026The Moroccan team tried to equalize during the remainder of the match. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the game ended with Senegal winning 1-0 and claiming the Africa Cup of Nations title.
