Senegal Reigns in Africa! A Thunderous Strike From Pape Gueye in Extra Time Brings Down Morocco in the 2025 AFCON

In an epic final that seemed destined for penalties, Pape Gueye became the hero in the 94th minute, breaking through the resistance of an imperious Yassine Bounou. After a battle of equal possession and absolute defensive discipline, the “Lions of Teranga” claim the AFCON 2025 in Rabat

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah was a cauldron of noise, a vibrant mosaic of red and green meeting green, yellow and red as Morocco and Senegal clashed in a pulsating AFCON 2025 final. The atmosphere, charged with national pride and the weight of continental glory, was nothing short of electric. Fans, many of whom had traveled thousands of miles, lived every tackle, every pass and every missed chance with bated breath.

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From the opening whistle, intensity has been the dominant theme. The Atlas Lions, driven by a stadium roaring with every touch of the ball, have tried to impose their rhythm through the creativity of Brahim Díaz and the surging runs of Achraf Hakimi. However, they have come up against a Senegalese wall. The 2021 champions, led by the experience of Kalidou Koulibaly, have shown why they are considered the most feared defense on the continent, closing down spaces and relying on the pace of Sadio Mané in quick transitions.

In this evenly matched contest, the standout name of the night has been Yassine Bounou. The Moroccan goalkeeper has once again shown why he is regarded as one of the best in the world, emerging as a giant between the posts. With at least three crucial saves, Bounou has denied the clearest chances for the Lions of Teranga, especially point-blank efforts that were already being celebrated as goals in the Senegalese end of the stadium.

The intensity is such that every square meter of the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah is being contested as if it were the last. The Moroccan forwards, usually lethal, are enduring a night of frustration against the physical discipline of the Senegalese center-backs, who have not granted them a single second of freedom.

The Golden Minute

In the 94th minute, following a recovery by Sadio Mané in the heart of the midfield, the ball found its way to Gueye at the edge of the box. The midfielder didn't hesitate: after a clinical touch that left Amrabat behind, he unleashed a powerful, low strike that tucked inside the post, rendering the dive of a previously unbeatable Bounou useless.

Morocco, their pride wounded, poured their entire arsenal into the attack in the final minutes. Achraf Hakimi came inches away from an equalizer with a free kick that rattled the crossbar, and the Senegalese defense had to dig deep with providential interceptions to withstand the siege.

As the final whistle blew, euphoria erupted on the Senegalese bench. Senegal reasserts its continental dominance, demonstrating iron resilience and confirming that, under maximum pressure, their hierarchy remains untouchable. The continent bows before the champions.