In one of the most extraordinary and controversial finals in the entire history of the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time on 18 January 2026 to be crowned AFCON 2025 champions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat — a match that produced a Senegalese walkout, a Panenka penalty miss, 14 minutes of chaos and protest, and ultimately Pape Gueye’s stunning 94th-minute extra-time winner in front of a devastated 66,526-strong Moroccan home crowd. The drama that defined the closing stages of this extraordinary AFCON final was unlike anything the continental competition had previously produced — a sequence of events so remarkable and broadly discussed across African and global football that the match immediately established itself as one of the most talked-about and historically significant finals in AFCON history.
The Walkout, The Penalty Save, The Winner
The AFCON 2025 final had been a tense and closely contested goalless match when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in injury time following a VAR review — a decision that triggered extraordinary scenes as Senegal’s players, led by their coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in collective protest. The players refused to continue for nearly 14 dramatic minutes, with security personnel managing increasingly anxious crowd scenes as the standoff between the Senegalese delegation and the match officials continued. Sadio Mane’s crucial intervention — the veteran captain pleading with his teammates to return to the field — eventually brought resolution, but only after the tension had reached levels rarely witnessed in any football competition at any level. When the match resumed, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty for Morocco — and attempted an audacious Panenka chip that Edouard Mendy read perfectly, catching the ball comfortably and denying Morocco the title at the most dramatic possible moment. Pape Gueye’s extraordinary 94th-minute left-footed strike in extra time — a powerful and precisely placed shot from outside the box — then sealed Senegal’s incredible championship victory.
Watch the Full Match Highlights and Replay
Watch the complete match replay and full highlights of Senegal vs Morocco (AFCON 2025 Final) from 18 January 2026 right here on AllSportsZone — free, in HD quality, and available on any device. This extraordinary match is unmissable African football history!
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the AFCON 2025 Final?
Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the AFCON 2025 Final on 18 January 2026. Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute of extra time after Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty in injury time of normal time.
Why did Senegal players walk off the pitch?
Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest at referee Jean-Jacques Ndala’s controversial VAR penalty decision in injury time. The walkout lasted approximately 14 minutes before Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return — after which Mendy saved the penalty and Senegal won the title in extra time.
Where can I watch the AFCON 2025 Final highlights?
Full match highlights and the complete replay of the AFCON 2025 Final between Senegal and Morocco are available right here on AllSportsZone, free and in HD quality on any device.