CAN 2025: Senegal defeats Morocco on their turf and clinches a second star

After a high-octane first half and a second period that remained on a knife edge, the Africa Cup of Nations final descended into chaos and extreme tension in the dying moments of regulation time. In the 92nd minute, Senegal thought they had broken the deadlock, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul that the Senegalese players deemed imaginary. Four minutes later, in the 96th, Morocco was awarded a penalty after a VAR review—a decision met with fierce protests on the pitch.

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Stunned, Senegal’s players briefly left the field and headed to the locker room before being called back by Sadio Mané. Brahim Díaz then attempted a panenka, but Edouard Mendy stood tall and denied him, keeping the suspense alive in an already breathless final.

With the match heading into extra time, the Lions of Teranga showed greater mental fortitude and finally broke the deadlock. Morocco, shaken psychologically, failed to mount a response. Senegal thus secured their second continental star at the end of a final as controversial as it was thrilling.