Senegal won the second title of Copa Africana from The decisive goal came just 4 minutes into extra time, scored by Pape Gueye after good collective play.
The final was marked by controversial refereeing decisions in the final minutes of normal time. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, from República Democrática from Congo, disallowed a valid goal from
The Senegalese players reacted with indignation to the penalty being awarded, even leaving the pitch in protest. Sadio Mané’s intervention helped convince the team to return to the field to avoid possible sanctions from Fifa.
Controversy in normal time additions
In the eight minutes of added time allowed, the referee first invalidated a Senegalese goal that had initially been validated on the field. The decision generated immediate protests from the visitors, who considered the move regular.
Soon after, Ndala consulted the VAR and awarded a penalty to Marrocos, alleging a foul by Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. The review generated outrage among the Senegalese, who invaded the pitch in protest.
Temporary abandonment of the field
The penalty award caused widespread confusion in the stadium. Vários players from Senegal went to the changing rooms, refusing to continue the match.
Sadio Mané remained on the lawn and ran to convince his teammates to return. The return avoided more serious punishments, such as loss of points or automatic disqualification.
Coach Pape Thiaw also instructed the team to return. The decision preserved the possibility of a normal penalty shootout.
Decisive error of Brahim Díaz
Brahim Díaz, responsible for the charge, opted for a dig in the 114th minute of the match. The shot was weak and centralized, making it easier for Edouard Mendy to defend.
The Senegalese goalkeeper held the ball without difficulty, keeping the score tied. The mistake made by the Real Madrid player was decisive for the outcome of the game.
After the defense, the referee ended normal time. The match went into extra time with the score zero.
Title goal in extra time
Pape Gueye opened the scoring at the beginning of extra time. The midfielder received the ball at the edge of the area and finished with precision into the corner.
The Moroccan defense was unable to block the shot. The goal gave Senegal the advantage and changed the outlook of the decision.
Leões of Teranga controlled possession of the ball better in the sequence. Marrocos tried to press, but didn’t create clear chances of a draw.
Team trajectory in the competition
Senegal reached the final undefeated in the competition. The team won all of its group stage games and eliminated tough opponents in the knockout stages.
- Victory over Camarões in the quarterfinals
- Triumph against Costa of Marfim in the semi-finals
- Solid defense throughout the tournament
- Efficient attack led by Mané
Marrocos, as host, had massive support from the fans. The team advanced with convincing campaigns until the decision.
Individual highlights from the final
Sadio Mané demonstrated leadership by avoiding the team’s definitive abandonment. The striker also created important opportunities during the 120 minutes.
Edouard Mendy made crucial saves, including the penalty. The goalkeeper consolidated his reputation in important decisions.
Pape Gueye scored the historic goal of the title. The midfielder entered the second half and decided the match.
Brahim Díaz, despite the penalty error, was one of Marrocos’s main names in the campaign. The player scored goals in previous phases.
Historical context of the confrontation
Senegal won its second cup in the history of the competition. The first title came in 2022, also decided on penalties.
Marrocos were looking for their second trophy, 50 years after winning in 1976. The host team entered as favorites to play at home.
The 2025 final brought together two of the strongest teams on the African continent today. The duel represented the high technical level of the competition.
Reactions after the final whistle
The Senegalese players celebrated intensely on the pitch. The visiting fans, present in Rabat, celebrated the second championship.
The Moroccan delegation left the field visibly dejected. Autoridades locals guaranteed security at the stadium after the end.
Fifa followed the development of the incidents through its president, present in the gallery. Não there were records of immediate punishments for teams.
Organization of the Copa Africana of 2025
The competition was held at Marrocos between December 2025 and January 2026. The tournament had 24 participating teams.
Modern stadiums hosted games in several cities. Rabat hosted the grand final at Prince Moulay Abdellah.
CAF organized the event with reinforced security protocols. The presence of fans from several African countries marked the tournament.
