AFCON delivered peak continental football again. The afcon or africa cup ended with Senegal crowned champions, defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a final that mixed elite defending, raw emotion, and one unforgettable turning point.
From the tense 90 minutes to the extra-time winner, AFCON 2026 (played as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, final held January 18, 2026 in Rabat) will be remembered as a tournament where fine margins decided everything.
Senegal Are AFCON Champions: Final Result and Key Details
Senegal lifted the afcon or africa cup trophy after beating Morocco 1–0 (AET) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The winning goal was scored by Pape Gueye, who was also named Man of the Match.
AFCON 2026 final snapshot
- Champions: Senegal
- Runners-up: Morocco
- Final score: Senegal 1–0 Morocco (after extra time)
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
This title was Senegal’s second AFCON crown, confirming their place among the era’s elite African national teams.
Best Moments of AFCON 2026
The 98th-Minute Penalty That Changed Everything
The defining moment came deep into stoppage time: Morocco were awarded a penalty, and Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka-style kick that was saved by Edouard Mendy. The incident was followed by lengthy on-field drama and delays, making it one of the most talked-about scenes of the final.
The Extra-Time Winner: Pape Gueye Seals It
After surviving the late scare, Senegal found the breakthrough in extra time as Pape Gueye scored the winner to silence the host crowd and secure the Africa Cup.
A Final Played on the Edge
Reports described a chaotic, bad-tempered finish to the match, with protests and stoppages adding to the intensity of an already tense contest.
AFCON 2026 Individual Awards and Standout Performers
AFCON wasn’t only about the trophy. Several players left the tournament with major individual recognition.
Golden Boot: Brahim Díaz
Despite the heartbreak in the final, Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer and received the Golden Boot.
Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament (Golden Glove) after a standout campaign.
Fair Play: Morocco
Morocco also received the tournament’s Fair Play recognition, adding a bittersweet note to their runner-up finish.
The Atmosphere Around the Africa Cup: Celebration and Aftermath
The afcon or africa cup always extends beyond the pitch. Senegal’s victory triggered major celebrations at home, while Morocco’s near-miss led to national disappointment after a strong run to the final as hosts.
AFCON 2026 also had a measurable global impact: in the FIFA men’s rankings update that followed, Morocco reached a record-high position, and Senegal rose significantly after winning the tournament.
Final Take: Why AFCON 2026 Will Be Remembered
AFCON 2026 had the classic ingredients that make the afcon or africa cup unmatched:
- A host nation chasing history
- A final decided by a single extra-time goal
- A last-gasp penalty moment that swung the trophy race
- Individual brilliance from tournament standouts
Senegal finished on top — not with flashy dominance, but with composure under pressure and a champion’s ability to take the one moment that mattered most.
