Senegal on Sunday clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The final was marked by controversy late in regulation time after the Democratic Republic of Congo referee, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review. Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.

Furious over the decision, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw, leading to a 13-minute standoff. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the field.

Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to push the match into extra time.

The breakthrough came in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye fired home a stunning strike following a swift counterattack initiated by Mané. Senegal then held firm to silence the home crowd and secure the trophy.

The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.

Here is a list of AFCON Winners Since 1957

2025 – Senegal

2023 – Côte d’Ivoire

2021 – Senegal

2019 – Algeria

2017 – Cameroon

2015 – Côte d’Ivoire

2013 – Nigeria

2012 – Zambia

2010 – Egypt

2008 – Egypt

2006 – Egypt

2004 – Tunisia

2002 – Cameroon

2000 – Cameroon

1998 – Egypt

1996 – South Africa

1994 – Nigeria

1992 – Côte d’Ivoire

1990 – Algeria

1988 – Cameroon

1986 – Egypt

1984 – Cameroon

1982 – Ghana

1980 – Nigeria

1978 – Ghana

1976 – Morocco

1974 – DR Congo

1972 – Congo

1970 – Sudan

1968 – DR Congo

1965 – Ghana

1963 – Ghana

1962 – Ethiopia

1959 – Egypt

1957 – Egypt

(The Nation)