Late Penalty, Last-Minute Lights: Senegal Dethrones Morocco in AFCON 2025 Final
20 January 2026
Final twist: a late penalty that changed everything
The Africa Cup of Nations final unfolded at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco pushing to win on home soil. The atmosphere swung between hope and anxiety as the clock wound down on a tense, closely fought match.
Senegal's late winner and the scoreboard drama
A video-assisted review sparked a controversial late penalty for Morocco, prompting protests from Senegal's bench and players who briefly threatened to walk off. The spot kick was converted by Ibrahim Diaz, only for Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to make a crucial save, keeping the score 0-0.
With chances still flowing, the match moved into extra time. In the 94th minute, a powerful strike by a Senegalese forward found the net, giving Senegal a dramatic lead and the momentum to seal the title. The Moroccan defense was left stunned as the referee blew the final whistle moments later, confirming Senegal's triumph.
Off the pitch, a telltale TV glitch and the crowd's reactions added to the night’s theatre. Radio Monte Carlo described 60,000+ Moroccan fans as trusting their star too much, and noted the scoreboard displayed 'Goal' even when the ball did not cross. The broader debate about officiating and VAR left fans and pundits debating long after the final whistle.
Senegal's celebration was earned by resolve, not by luck, and the trophy headed to Dakar for a second time in their history. The night reminded everyone that finals are a blend of skill, nerve, and a pinch of chaos—where a single decision can tilt a whole nation’s mood. And if you're collecting life lessons from football, the lesson here is simple: never blink, or you’ll miss history—and possibly a podium-worthy quip from the press box.
Punchline 1: If suspense paid tickets, this final would be sold out for life.
Punchline 2: Morocco learned two things that night: never trust a scoreboard and never underestimate a goalkeeper who can read minds and save penalties with the elegance of a cat spotting a laser pointer.
