Senegal are kings of Africa again. In a gripping AFCON 2025 final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Teranga Lions edged host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift their second continental crown. In a night rich with nerves, noise, and fine margins, Sadio Mane was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Player (Golden Ball) — the seal on a campaign he shaped from the first whistle to the last.

Played in front of more than 65,000 fans, the final had everything: elite goalkeeping, a late penalty twist, a captain’s calming voice, and one strike that settled it all. Pape Alassane Gueye delivered the decisive goal in extra time after 90 tense minutes ended 0-0, while Edouard Osoque Mendy produced the save that will live long in Senegalese memory.

AFCON 2025 final: Senegal edge hosts Morocco in extra time

This was a tight, tactical fight. Morocco controlled phases, Senegal absorbed and broke with purpose. The first 90 minutes brought close calls, brave blocks, and two goalkeepers in total command. When extra time arrived, Senegal found the one clear moment they needed. Gueye’s finish was clean and calm, and it stood as the title-winner.

The champions managed the closing minutes with composure that reflected their growth on this stage. It was a mature performance, built on trust and timing. For a team chasing a second AFCON, that maturity meant everything.

Sadio Mane’s Golden Ball: leadership made the difference

Mane leaves AFCON 2025 with the highest individual honor: MVP and Best Player of the Tournament. As one report put it, “Mane was instrumental in Senegal’s triumph from the group stages up to the final duel.” Another noted, “Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané was a standout figure throughout AFCON 2025.” The consensus is clear: his fingerprints were on everything that mattered.

Leadership is often quiet. When emotions ran high late on, it was Mane who stepped in, calmed teammates, and kept Senegal focused on the mission. That poise, as much as any dribble or pass, is why he carries the Golden Ball home. As one report summed it: “Senegalese star Sadio Mane emerged the Best player of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

“Mane didn’t just win an award — he coached the whole moment.”

The penalty flashpoint: calm heads, massive save

The final’s biggest twist came in the dying stages. After a contentious late penalty call, some Senegal players walked off in protest. In that storm, it was Mane who persuaded them to return and finish the fight. Moments later, Edouard Osoque Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick — a huge, pressure-soaked stop that kept the dream alive.

Football turns on inches and on nerve. Mendy’s reach and timing bought Senegal extra time. Senegal’s belief did the rest.

“If Diaz scores, Morocco lift it. Instead, Mendy and Mane rewrote the script.”

Heroes on both sides: Gueye, Diaz, and Bounou

Finals create new heroes. Gueye’s extra-time goal made him Senegal’s match-winner, but the awards tell a fuller story of the tournament:

• Best Player (Golden Ball): Sadio Mane (Senegal)
• Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Brahim Diaz (Morocco) — 5 goals
• Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
• Fair-Play Team: Morocco

Diaz’s five goals powered Morocco to the final and earned him the Golden Boot. Yassine Bounou was outstanding between the posts all month, and even in defeat, Morocco’s discipline earned them the Fair-Play Award. That mix of edge and elegance is why they were in the last game of the tournament.

“Morocco didn’t fall short for quality. Senegal just won the key minutes.”

A night of ceremony and a look to AFCON 2027

The trophy lift came with big-stage company. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe officiated the ceremony. In a handover that signals the future, Motsepe passed the CAF flag to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the joint hosts for AFCON 2027.

That moment matters. The bar set by Senegal’s triumph and Morocco’s showpiece hosting now moves to East Africa. Expect packed stadiums, new heroes, and another test of game management, pressure, and poise — the same edges that decided 2025.

What Senegal’s second star means

This second AFCON title is about identity. Senegal were patient, brave, and smart in the biggest moments. Mane’s calm, Mendy’s save, and Gueye’s finish told a simple story: trust your leaders and take your chance.

For Morocco, there is pride. They produced the top scorer in Diaz, the best goalkeeper in Bounou, and a fair-play standard the whole tournament respected. They pushed the champions to the wire. On another night, a single kick changes history. On this night, the margins belonged to Senegal.

AFCON 2025 will be remembered for its drama and its dignity. It gave us a champion with a clear voice in Sadio Mane, a final decided by courage under fire, and a handoff to a new chapter in East Africa. The continent moves forward, and the standard has been set.