Senegal emerged victorious in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The final was marred by controversy late in regulation time when referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review. Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.

In protest, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch under the direction of head coach Pape Thiaw, but returned after captain Sadio Mané intervened. Morocco failed to convert the penalty, sending the match into extra time. Senegal’s breakthrough came in the fourth minute of extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring after a counterattack led by Mané, securing the country’s second AFCON title in three tournaments.

AFCON Winners Since 1957:

• 2025 – Senegal
• 2023 – Côte d’Ivoire
• 2021 – Senegal
• 2019 – Algeria
• 2017 – Cameroon
• 2015 – Côte d’Ivoire
• 2013 – Nigeria
• 2012 – Zambia
• 2010 – Egypt
• 2008 – Egypt
• 2006 – Egypt
• 2004 – Tunisia
• 2002 – Cameroon
• 2000 – Cameroon
• 1998 – Egypt
• 1996 – South Africa
• 1994 – Nigeria
• 1992 – Côte d’Ivoire
• 1990 – Algeria
• 1988 – Cameroon
• 1986 – Egypt
• 1984 – Cameroon
• 1982 – Ghana
• 1980 – Nigeria
• 1978 – Ghana
• 1976 – Morocco
• 1974 – DR Congo
• 1972 – Congo
• 1970 – Sudan
• 1968 – DR Congo
• 1965 – Ghana
• 1963 – Ghana
• 1962 – Ethiopia
• 1959 – Egypt
• 1957 – Egypt

Senegal’s win reinforces their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses and highlights the nation’s continued excellence in continental tournaments.