Senegal won AFCON 2025 in a dramatic final against hosts Morocco. Learn about the crazy finish, the strengths of both teams and why it matters for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Senegal beats Morocco – what it means for the 2026 World Cup and African football
Though the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended just a few weeks ago, its impact is still felt. In the grand scheme of football, yesterday’s results fade, but tournament finals like this create a lasting legacy. Senegal lifted the trophy after a tense 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in Rabat. However, that final turned into something much more than just a regular match.
The game remained tense throughout regular time. Both defences held firm, with scoring opportunities few and far between. Then everything exploded in stoppage time. Senegal thought they had scored, but the referee ruled it offside. Immediately afterwards, VAR spotted a foul in the penalty area and awarded Morocco a penalty. The Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest. They remained off the pitch for about 15 minutes before returning. Brahim Diaz came on and passed to the daring Panenka. Edouard Mendy guessed right and pulled off a brilliant save.
Extra time began, and Pape Gueye came on in the 94th minute. He fired a rocket from outside the penalty area that hit the top corner. Game over. Senegal won their second AFCON title in recent years. Morocco’s wait for a second title, which they last won in 1976, continues.
Senegal’s steady rise continues
Senegal has become one of the most consistent teams in Africa. This was their third final in the last few tournaments, and they have won two of them (2021 and now 2025). They beat Egypt in the semi-finals thanks to a late strike from Sadio Mané. Mané hinted that this could be his last AFCON final, but he still delivered when it mattered.
The team combines experience with fresh talent. The players compete regularly in the top European leagues. Édouard Mendy saved that superb penalty. Pape Gueye reminded everyone that he can dictate play from midfield. Their style works well in knockout football: stay compact, hit on the counter and remain disciplined.
Morocco’s strong run despite heartbreak
Morocco hosted the tournament and had huge expectations. They topped their group and then knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria on their way to the final. Walid Regragui has created something special from the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou are showing real quality in every aspect.
The home advantage helped with fan support and familiar pitches. However, the pressure sometimes took its toll. Losing the final at home hurts, especially after such a chaotic ending. The federation even mentioned possible legal action regarding the final series. The CAF later criticised both sides for how events unfolded.
A wild final left questions
The drama in extra time created chaos. The Senegalese players’ exit from the field did not look good. Their coach, Pape Thiaw, later said it was due to emotions and apologised. Morocco felt that the game had been ruined. The whole episode served as a reminder that passion can sometimes spill over in ways that damage the image of the sport.
African football is striving for greater global respect. Moments like this make that more difficult. But the overall picture remains positive. The level of talent continues to rise.
What this means for 2026
The 2026 World Cup brings big changes. With 48 teams, Africa gets nine guaranteed spots. Both Senegal and Morocco have already qualified. Here’s what stands out about them:
Other countries are also taking note. Nigeria fought for bronze here. Egypt, DR Congo and several other teams have their own ingredients. Domestic leagues are improving, more players are moving to Europe, and national teams are getting better support. The gap between the best teams and the rest is slowly closing.
The overall picture of African football
Senegal and Morocco are currently leading the way. Their success shows what can be achieved with smart planning, good coaching staff and players in strong leagues. To fans around the world, checking a mobile score and seeing these teams triumph is a source of immense pride. The final chaos does not change the main story. African teams are among the best in the world.
As 2026 approaches, these two teams look ready to make a deeper impact. They have the belief, organisation and individual quality. Whether they can finally take that extra step remains an exciting question that everyone wants answered.
