Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Extra Time Win Over Morocco- Ekohotblog

Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Extra Time Win Over Morocco
Pape Gueye scored decisive goal in 94th minute of extra time.
VAR drama and missed penalty shaped tense final in regulation time.

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa on Sunday night after edging Morocco 1 0 in a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final settled deep into extra time.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the tense title clash was decided in the 94th minute of extra time when Pape Gueye produced a moment of brilliance to finally break the deadlock. With penalties looming, Gueye dribbled past two Moroccan defenders at the edge of the box before firing a powerful right footed strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Bono helpless.

The final, played at a frantic pace, was marked by controversy, VAR drama and several missed chances at both ends. Tempers flared throughout the encounter, with frequent stoppages, fouls and yellow cards as emotions ran high.

Morocco almost won the match in stoppage time of normal play after the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the 90th minute. The decision came after Senegal had earlier seen a goal ruled out, sparking protests from their players. However, Senegal survived the scare when Brahim Diaz stepped up and saw his weak penalty saved by Edouard Mendy.

That crucial save shifted the momentum in Senegal’s favour and gave them renewed confidence heading into extra time.

Both sides had created chances during regulation time. Iliman Ndiaye went closest for Senegal in the first half but was denied by a brilliant save from Bono. Morocco responded with sustained pressure, with Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi narrowly missing the target.

Extra time brought even more drama. Youssef En Nesyri missed a clear headed chance, while Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar with a powerful header in the second period. Senegal also wasted opportunities, with Cherif Ndiaye missing from close range before Gueye’s decisive strike.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala remained under scrutiny throughout the match, especially over the VAR intervention that led to Morocco’s missed penalty.

When the final whistle sounded after 120 minutes, Senegal’s players collapsed in celebration as their supporters hailed a memorable triumph that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finals in AFCON history.