The Most Ludicrous Finale
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 had a perhaps the most hectic conclusion in the history of any major final as Senegal vs Morocco ended 1-0 to Lions of Teranga. What had started out as a boring game, turned into an insane debacle during an injury-time, with a walk-off protest, a missed Panenka penalty, and an amazing extra-time goal by Pape Gueye.
As the last whistle was given, both sides had players who fell on the turf. In the case of Morocco, the victory is a 50-year continuation of continental triumph. To Senegal it is a second title won in the scenes of unsurpassed drama.
Walk-Offs and Penalties
The scandal blew up in the later stages of the stoppage time. After a review of the video, the referee fined El Hadji Malick Diouf due to a pull on Brahim Diaz.
- The Protest: The predominant part of the players in Senegal walked out of the field in protest after they aggrieved that they were being plotted against. Sadio Mané, who was particularly hesitant to part with them, had to drag them out of the tunnel later on at the intervention of the old coach Claude Le Roy.
- The Miss: After 15 minutes Brahim Díaz came to the stage. The star of the tournament tried to do a Panenka shot but struck with his shot directly against Édouard Mendy who received it with his hands.
Pape Gueye Strikes
After four minutes of extra time the tie was broken. On the halfway line, Neil El Aynaoui lost the ball, and the ball passed on the way of Pape Gueye. The mid-fielder broke through and whacked a shot into the upper corner–a beautiful goal that made the preceding nonsense of nothing.
History Made in Rabat
The analysis conducted by NOVA88 Sport News proves that Senegal survived the controversy. Morocco threw all into the last moment and Nayef Aguerd struck the bar and Youssef En-Nesyri shot into the air.
But the night was the property of Senegal. They endured the riot, death threat, and the antagonistic fans to win the trophy. As much as Senegal vs Morocco will be remembered because of the walk-off, it will be recorded in the books of history that Senegal are the champions of Africa.
Nova88 Official Partnerships:
Official Asian Betting Partner 2024 – 26 – Aston Villa
Strategic Partner 2025/26 – Saba Sports
Live Football Score Platform 2026/27 – Livescore.com
Asian Sportsbook Forum 2025/26 – Asianbookie
