President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has declared Monday a paid public holiday across the country to celebrate the nation’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Senegal clinched their second continental title on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final played in Rabat, capping a dramatic tournament with a moment of brilliance and resilience.
The decisive breakthrough came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, sending the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and silencing the home crowd. The goal crowned a tense encounter that swung repeatedly between both sides.
Morocco had come agonisingly close to sealing victory in regulation time after a late VAR intervention awarded them a penalty in the 99th minute. Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch following the decision, with El Hadji Malick Diouf ruled to have fouled Brahim DÃaz in the box. However, Edouard Mendy emerged the hero, saving DÃaz’s attempted Panenka to keep Senegal alive.
Earlier in the match, Senegal started on the front foot, dictating the tempo and forcing Bounou into sharp saves from Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye. Morocco gradually grew into the contest and almost went ahead before half-time, but Nayef Aguerd narrowly missed Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s dangerous cross across the face of goal.
After the break, the Atlas Lions pressed with greater urgency, yet Ayoub El Kaabi wasted a clear opportunity from close range. Senegal remained dangerous on the counter and nearly snatched victory late in regulation time, only for Bounou to deny substitute Ibrahim Mbaye with a fine save in the 89th minute.
The final was already laced with controversy following a disallowed Ismaila Sarr goal, ruled out after Abdoulaye Seck was judged to have fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.
Extra time ultimately belonged to Senegal. A clever pass from Sadio Mané unlocked the Moroccan defence, allowing Gueye to strike with composure and power. Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Mendy stood firm as Senegal defended resolutely to secure the title.
The victory confirms Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses, sealing a second AFCON crown through discipline, resilience and championship pedigree, and sparking nationwide celebrations back home as the government honours the triumph with a public holiday.
