When the final whistle cut through the noise at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Sadio Mané stood with arms raised, his legacy sealed.
Senegal were champions of Africa again, and their captain was named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tournament defined by pressure, leadership and decisive moments.
Mané’s award felt inevitable. From the group stage to a tense final, he led with calm authority, guiding Senegal through controversy and chaos. In a competition that tested nerve as much as skill, Mané was its steady centre, a leader when others wavered.
The final delivered all the drama expected of two heavyweights. In front of more than 65,000 fans, Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a fiery, ill-tempered contest. Ninety minutes ended goalless, but the match simmered throughout.
The breakthrough came in extra time. Pape Gueye surged forward and struck a clean left-footed shot that silenced the Rabat crowd and sent the Senegal bench into celebration. It was a bold, decisive goal, fitting for a final.
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But the night will also be remembered for its turning point. Deep into stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty.
Brahim Díaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up with a chance to force a shootout and cap a historic campaign. Instead, his effort was straight and tame, comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy.
Moments earlier, Senegal players had walked off in protest over the penalty call. It was Mané who pulled them back, urging calm and focus. Minutes later, Mendy saved, Gueye scored, and Senegal were champions.
Individual honours were shared. Díaz finished as top scorer with five goals to win the Golden Boot, his performances driving Morocco’s run to the final despite the heartbreak.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was named Best Goalkeeper, while Morocco also received the Fair Play award.
Awards:
- Winners: Senegal
- First Runners up: Morocco
- Second Runners up: Nigeria
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Sadio Mane (Senegal)
- Top scorer: Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – 5 Goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
- Fair-play team: Morocco
For Senegal, the victory sealed a second AFCON title and confirmed their place among Africa’s modern powers, a team built on resilience, belief and leadership, personified by Mané.
The trophy ceremony was led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who later handed the CAF flag to Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a symbolic close to a turbulent, unforgettable tournament.
