Senegal Defeat Morocco To Win Storm-hit AFCON Final in Rabat

Senegal claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time in a chaotic final played amid heavy rain in Rabat, according to Reuters.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. 🇸🇳🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025pic.twitter.com/6nTRDNmKDs

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026

The decisive goal came in the first period of extra time, sealing Senegal’s second continental crown in a match marked by controversial refereeing decisions, VAR interventions, and prolonged stoppages that repeatedly disrupted play, Reuters reported.

The final, played at a rain-soaked stadium in Rabat, ended scoreless after 90 minutes. Tensions escalated late in regulation time when a Senegal goal was ruled out, followed by a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco. Senegal players and officials protested the decision and briefly refused to resume play, leading to delays before order was restored, according to Reuters.

Morocco failed to capitalize on the penalty opportunity, with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving the spot kick. Play eventually continued into extra time, where Senegal found the breakthrough to secure the title despite mounting pressure from the home side.

Reactions

Senegal coach Aliou Cissé praised his team’s discipline under pressure, saying the players stayed focused despite the “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding the final, according to comments carried by Reuters.

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, said the match was “decided by moments,” adding that his players were left frustrated by missed chances and stoppages that broke the rhythm of the game, Reuters reported.

The Confederation of African Football said after the match that it would review incidents from the final, while reiterating its commitment to the use of VAR and match-official integrity, according to a CAF statement cited by Reuters.

Context and significance

The victory confirms Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces, adding another AFCON title to the one they won in 2021. For Morocco, the defeat was a major setback on home soil, extending their wait for a second continental title since 1976.

The storm-affected final also underscored ongoing debates around officiating standards and the use of VAR in African football, an issue closely watched across the continent as AFCON continues to grow in global visibility.

What’s next

CAF officials said a formal match report will be reviewed in the coming days, with any disciplinary or procedural decisions to follow through established channels, according to Reuters. Senegal’s squad is expected to return home for official celebrations, while Morocco will turn its attention to upcoming World Cup qualification fixtures later this year.