Mane's Bold Triumph: Senegal Clinches AFCON 2025 Over Morocco
18 January 2026
Final hero: Mane leads Senegal to AFCON crown
Senegal's Sadio Mane emerged as the true star of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, even though he did not score the winning goal.
The Senegal national team clinched the title for the second time, after defeating Morocco 1-0 on Sunday at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, extending into extra time.
Late drama and a controversial decision
The match featured a dramatic late moment when the Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in the final minute of stoppage time after a VAR review, sparking protests from the Senegalese players and staff led by coach Babi Thiaw who urged the team to walk off the pitch.
The game paused for several minutes before Mane urged his teammates to return and finish the contest.
When play resumed, Diaz took the kick but blasted it down the middle, easily saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Moments later Mane’s bold decision to stay the course paid off as Baba Gaye struck the winner in the 94th minute of extra time, sealing Senegal’s triumph.
The final whistle followed, sending Senegal fans into a celebration while Morocco reflected on the late twist of fate.
Punchlines just for fun: If drama paid tickets, this final would’ve set a new attendance record. Also, note to VAR: coffee breaks are for referees too, not just players. Sniper-grade humor aside, Senegal delivered the comeback—because sometimes football is less about goals and more about timing the punchlines.
