Senegal Triumphs in AFCON 2025 as Morocco Fans Grapple with Heartbreak

Moroccan supporters left Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in despair on Sunday night after Senegal stunned the hosts 1–0 in extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Many Atlas Lions fans had begun exiting the stands even before the final whistle on a cold, rainy evening, reliving painful memories of the 2004 final against Tunisia. “We cried in the final against Tunisia in 2004, and tonight the same scenario repeats itself,” said Ismail Korradj, 30, moments after the match ended.

Despite the disappointment, some Moroccans praised their team’s performance. “The defeat leaves us with bitterness, but our players gave everything,” said Laila Bourezma, 32. Oumaima Boukrab added, “The players were excellent. We salute them, and we’re proud of them.”

The match reached a dramatic peak when Morocco was awarded a controversial late penalty. The Senegalese players staged a lengthy protest, walking off the pitch for nearly 20 minutes. Edouard Mendy’s crucial save against Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt preserved Senegal’s lead. Just four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, dashing Morocco’s hopes of lifting the cup for the first time since 1976.

Senegalese supporters, though fewer in number, celebrated wildly outside the stadium. “Today, Senegal won. Tomorrow, Morocco will win. They’re our brothers and they welcomed us here,” said fan Salim Bom. Many echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the triumph as a victory for Africa.

The match highlighted both Senegal’s resilience and the passionate support of fans on both sides, ending in jubilation for the winners and heartbreak for the hosts.