The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged matches in AFCON history. Played in front of a packed stadium and millions of viewers across the world, the final delivered controversy, missed chances, walkouts, and a stunning late twist that ultimately crowned Senegal as champions of Africa once again.
A Disallowed Goal Sets the Tone
The tension began early in the match when Senegal thought they had taken a crucial lead. A powerful attacking move ended with the ball in the back of Morocco’s net, sending Senegalese fans into celebration. However, after a brief review, the goal was disallowed, sparking immediate debate among players, fans, and pundits. The decision shifted the momentum of the game and set the stage for a highly charged contest.
Late Drama: Morocco Awarded a Penalty at 90+8
As the match pushed deep into stoppage time, the referee made one of the most decisive calls of the night. Morocco were awarded a penalty at 90+8 following a defensive incident inside the box. The decision was met with furious protests from Senegalese players and staff, who felt the call was harsh given the flow of the game.
Senegal Players Walk Off the Pitch
Emotions boiled over moments later as several Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of the penalty decision. The match was paused amid confusion, with officials and team staff working to restore order. Eventually, play resumed, but the atmosphere remained electric and tense.
Morocco Miss the Penalty
With the pressure at its peak, Morocco stepped up to take the penalty that could have sealed the AFCON title. In a dramatic turn of events, the Senegal goalkeeper produced a brilliant save, denying Morocco and keeping Senegal alive. The miss stunned Moroccan supporters and reignited belief within the Senegal squad.
Senegal’s Last-Gasp Winner at 94 Minutes
Football delivered its ultimate twist just minutes later. In additional time at 94 minutes, Senegal launched a final attack. The move ended with a composed finish that found the net, finally counting this time. The stadium erupted as Senegal scored the decisive goal, sealing a historic victory in one of the latest-winning moments ever seen in an AFCON final.
Post-Match Fallout and FIFA’s Decision
The drama did not end with the final whistle. In the days following the match, FIFA announced the suspension of Senegal’s head coach due to his conduct during the penalty incident, citing violations of match conduct regulations. While the suspension sparked mixed reactions, it did little to diminish Senegal’s achievement on the pitch.
A Final to Remember
The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco had everything that defines football at its highest level: passion, controversy, heartbreak, and triumph. Senegal emerged victorious not just through skill, but through resilience and belief until the very last second. For Morocco, the missed penalty will remain a painful “what if” moment, while for Senegal, this final will forever stand as a symbol of determination and national pride.
AFCON 2025 may be over, but this final will be talked about for generations to come.
