The 2025 African Cup of Nations successfully wrapped up in Morocco yesterday January 18, 2026 with Senegal emerging winner of the much-watched continental jamboree. The competition that began last December 21, 2025 ended beautifully yesterday with a beautiful win for the Teranga Lions of Senegal who defeated the host Morocco in extra-time by 1-0 despite final packed with drama, controversy and unrelenting resolve.

The lone goal that sealed the victory for the Teranga lions came in the 94th minute of extra time when midfielder Pape Gueye delivered a moment of pure brilliance, curling a stunning strike past Morocco’s goalkeeper to ignite celebrations among the Senegalese players, staff and travelling supporters.  It was equally to the delight of millions of viewers across Africa and the world who felt that Senegal was not been treated fairly by match officials.

The winning goal came barely three minutes into extra play after the controversial VAR call that awarded Morocco a penalty in the last minute of the match caused tension amongst the Senegalese squad who left the pitch in protest of the referee’s decision.

Sadio Mané, one of the national team’s captains, best player of the Competition, demonstrated his exceptional leadership skill and steeze by staying on the pitch and pulling his team mates to the field to complete the unfinished business. Sadio Mané said: “This victory goes to all of Africa who supported us. We fought for all of you.” “To win against Morocco in front of thousands of their fans… I have no words to describe how I feel at the moment. This is incredible.”

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up with the chance to score from the penalty spot, but his softly struck attempt was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score level and sending the match into extra time.  This was the turning point for Senegal, as they built their tactics on this loss.

The match — that was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was one of the most awaited and watched events in recent AFCON history. It featured a series of contentious decisions by the officiating team that tested Senegal’s unity and composure.

Pape Thiaw makes history as the first coach to win both African Nations Championship (CHAN) and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), guiding Senegal to CHAN glory in 2022 and AFCON triumph in 2025.

Senegal’s Journey to the Title

Senegal’s path to glory was one of consistency and resilience. The “Lions of Teranga” navigated a challenging group stage and knockout rounds, including a narrow semi-final victory over Egypt courtesy of a Sadio Mané goal, to reach the final.

It is worth noting that winner of this game Senegal took home the sum of 10 million USD, the runner-up Morocco went with 4 million USD and Nigeria that sat on the third place got 2.5 million USD. At the individual level, Sadio Mané emerged Man of the Competition, Top Scorer award was given to Brahim Díaz of Morocco who had a record of 5 goals, Best Goalkeeper Of the Tournament was equally caught by Yassine Bono from host country that als had the award of Fair Play handed to it.