Breaking: Senegal Wins AFCON
Written by News Desk on January 18, 2026
Terenga Lions of Senegal have been crowned African Champions after beating Host Nation Atlas Lions of Morocco in the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game in the 94th minute in extra time first half as Senegal came out on top in a frantic encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat.
Senegal thought they had earlier taken the lead in the dying minutes of the second half, only for Ismalia Sarr goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The Moroccans were awarded a penalty in the 97th minute, a decision that led to chaotic scenes on the pitch as the Senegalese team walked out of the pitch in protest of the decision.
It took the intervention of star forward Sadio Mane to recall his teammates into the pitch.
Brahim Diaz thereafter stepped up to take the penalty kick which was saved by Edouard Mendy.
The game was stretched into extra time and Pape Gueye gave Senegal the lead in the 94tg minute, a ferocious strike which ended up being the winning goal of the night.
It is the second AFCON trophy in 4 years for Senegal as Morocco continue their over 49 years wait for the trophy.
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