The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations threw up few surprises over the past month. At least until late in Sunday’s final, when things went completely off the rails.
A disallowed Senegal goal over a foul, a debatable penalty for Morocco, fan violence in the stands, players walking off the pitch in protest, a poignant display of leadership from Sadio Mane, a saved Brahim Diaz panenka, and finally an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye all made for one wild finish in Rabat.
Senegal clinched their second continental cup from the last three editions, extending Morocco’s 50-year Afcon title drought and dashing home hopes in the process.
The final will understandably linger in people’s minds and will dominate the news cycles for days to come.
But the Afcon as a whole provided many unforgettable moments, a few shocking ones, and narrative shifts that could prove crucial in the upcoming period.
Player of the tournament
It would have to be Senegal’s Sadio Mane, who was a real difference-maker for the champions.
The Al Nassr star scored the winner in the semi-final against Egypt, created the most chances (18) at this Afcon, all from open play, and showed incredible leadership during the final when he went into the locker room to fetch his teammates after they had walked off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to
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