The Ternega Lions of Senegal have beaten hosts Morocco to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
After the drama of a brief boycott and a penalty save from Edouard Mendy, Pape Gueye scored in the first half of extra time to win the game for the Terenga Lions of Senegal.
The Villarreal player who was not challenged scored the decisive goal in the name with his left foot after pouncing on a lose ball in the middle of the park.
Brahim Diaz had a chance to take his goal tally to 6 in the tournament but missed the kick after attempting to go for a Panenka penalty.
Senegal have now won their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy after losing in the 2002 and 2019 finals to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Desert Foxes of Algeria respectively.
Morocco on the other hand have lost their second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations after losing the 2004 edition against Tunisia.
However, For most football fans, though, the main talking points will be Senegal’s brief attempt to boycott the match and the performance of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala.
Morocco captain, Achraf Hakimi after the game was awarded with the CAF Fair Play Award. Bono and Brahim Diaz were awarded with the Golden Glove and Golden Boot respectively.
Senegal star, Sadio Mane was also crowned as the Player of the tournament.
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