Senegal have been crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging hosts Morocco in a dramatic final that brought the 2025 tournament to a tense conclusion on Sunday.
The month-long competition, the 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament, began on December 21, 2025, with Morocco hosting 24 national teams from across the continent, including Uganda’s Cranes.
Senegal and Morocco emerged as the strongest sides and set up a highly anticipated final that lived up to its billing. The match was filled with controversy and stoppages, with tensions boiling over after a disputed penalty decision. Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, bringing the game to a halt.
After a 14-minute delay, play resumed, and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy became the hero of the moment by saving Brahim Díaz’s Panenka penalty, silencing the home crowd.
The deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Pape Gueye struck in the first half, sealing a hard-fought victory for Senegal. The goal handed the West African nation their second Africa Cup of Nations title and capped off a memorable campaign.
