Senegal claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco in Rabat in a final marred by controversial officiating, a temporary walk-off protest by the Senegal team and a crucial missed panenka penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz that kept the match level at the end of normal time.
A Final Marked by Controversy
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco delivered drama that went far beyond the usual intensity of a continental decider. After 90 minutes of tightly contested football, the game remained scoreless and headed into added time under an atmosphere fraught with tension and controversy.
The Disallowed Goal and Penalty Decision
In stoppage time, Senegal thought they had taken the lead, only for the referee to disallow a goal that would have ended the match. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review of an alleged foul on Brahim Díaz in the box a decision that sparked vehement protests from the Senegal team.
The Walk-Off and Return
In dramatic fashion, Senegal’s coach directed his players off the pitch in protest, leading to a nearly 15-minute delay as tensions mounted inside Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It was only after appeals from captain Sadio Mané and officials that the team eventually returned to the field for the penalty to be taken.
The Panenka Penalty That Never Was
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the decisive spot kick in front of a home crowd eager to end a 50-year wait for the continental title. Instead of opting for a conventional power shot down the centre or to a corner, Díaz attempted a panenka penalty — a delicate, softly-lofted chip designed to catch the goalkeeper off-guard.
The execution lacked the requisite pace and precision. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy read the attempt comfortably, catching the ball to preserve the deadlock and force extra time. The miss proved a pivotal moment in a match that had already descended into chaotic scenes.
Extra Time and Senegal’s Triumph
With Morocco’s chance to win the game slipping away, Senegal seized the psychological momentum led by their resilient performance. Three minutes into extra time, midfielder Pape Gueye struck a powerful shot into the top corner to give Senegal a 1-0 lead and ultimately the trophy.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the visitors, while disappointment engulfed the Moroccan side and their fans. The panenka penalty miss by Díaz will be remembered as a defining, and a agonising, moment of the final.
Senegal’s victory ended a turbulent final that is likely to prompt disciplinary review over the walk-off protest. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz issued a public apology for his missed penalty, acknowledging its impact on the outcome.
For Senegal, the win marks their second AFCON title in recent tournaments and reinforces their status among Africa’s football elite. Yet the final will also be remembered for its controversial officiating and the panenka penalty that never quite soared.
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