RABAT, Morocco — Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday with a 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco, but the final was overshadowed by prolonged stoppages, a disputed VAR penalty, and scenes of disorder inside the stadium.
The decisive moment came in the 94th minute, when Pape Gueye struck a fierce effort into the top corner to settle a tense contest that had remained scoreless through 90 minutes. The goal delivered Senegal’s second AFCON crown, adding to the title they lifted in 2021.
The match’s defining controversy erupted deep into second-half stoppage time. Morocco were awarded a penalty after VAR reviewed a challenge and judged Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf to have fouled Brahim Díaz. Senegal players reacted angrily, temporarily leaving the pitch in protest, prompting a lengthy delay before play resumed.
When order was partially restored, Morocco failed to capitalise. Díaz attempted a delicate Panenka-style spot kick, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it and saved comfortably, sending the final into extra time.
Senegal’s anger was compounded by a separate incident moments earlier: Ismaïla Sarr appeared to have scored in stoppage time, but the referee had already blown for a foul before the ball crossed the line—meaning VAR could not review the disallowed goal, intensifying Senegal’s sense of grievance.
The late officiating decisions also triggered crowd trouble. Reports described fans breaking through hoardings and attempts to enter restricted areas as tempers flared during the extended delay surrounding the penalty decision.
Despite the turmoil, Senegal steadied themselves in extra time and found the winner through Gueye’s long-range strike, while Morocco—chasing a first continental title since 1976—were left to rue a missed opportunity in regulatio
