🕙 22:30 GMT | A fitting finale to Africa’s flagship celebration of football
As the curtain falls on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will be remembered as a tournament that raised the bar in every possible way.
From seamless organisation to world-class stadiums and modern facilities, the competition reflected Africa’s growing confidence and capacity to deliver a truly global sporting spectacle.
On the pitch, the football matched the setting. Elite stars delivered moments of quality, leadership and inspiration, while a new generation of young talents announced themselves with fearlessness and flair.
Tactical sophistication, evolving formations and bold game plans underlined how far African football has come—there were no passengers, no easy opponents, and no pushovers, even among teams eliminated in the early rounds.
Packed stadiums, electric atmospheres and fiercely contested matches kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout a month that showcased Africa at its best.
Every round reinforced the message that African football has come of age, combining athleticism with intelligence, creativity with discipline, and tradition with innovation.
As CAF and CAFOnline.com close the chapter on a memorable tournament, the legacy of Morocco 2025 is clear: Africa’s flagship competition continues to grow in stature, quality and global relevance.
Thank you for joining us throughout this incredible journey. Until the next chapter of African football history—this has been a celebration worthy of the continent’s passion, talent and pride.
🕙 22:10 GMT | Full-time: Senegal are champions of Africa once again 🇸🇳🏆
Senegal have been crowned TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions for the second time, edging past hosts Morocco in a dramatic and unforgettable final to retain their place among the continent’s elite.
In front of a passionate home crowd, the Lions of Teranga showed composure, resilience and champion mentality, withstanding relentless Moroccan pressure before delivering the decisive moment that settled a final worthy of African football’s biggest stage.
For Senegal, this triumph confirms a golden era— at the summit of African football and another chapter of history written with discipline, belief and collective strength.
Morocco pushed until the very end, but Senegal’s defensive resolve and big-game experience proved decisive as the trophy heads to Dakar once more.
Africa has a champion again—and Senegal stand tall at the summit of the continent.
🕙 21:59 GMT | FULL TIME (AET): SENEGAL CROWNED CHAMPIONS AFTER DRAMATIC FINAL
The referee brings an end to a gripping second period of extra time as Senegal hold firm to see out the contest. Morocco push desperately in the closing moments, but Nayef Aguerd’s long ball lacks precision and a final teasing cross from Abde Ezzalzouli is calmly claimed by Edouard Mendy, who has been immense under pressure.
Senegal manage the clock expertly in the dying seconds, with Cherif Ndiaye winning a valuable throw-in after a strong run down the flank, easing the pressure on their defence. As the whistle sounds, Senegal’s discipline, resilience and late extra-time breakthrough prove decisive, bringing a dramatic and hard-fought TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final to a close.
🕙 21:50 GMT | FINAL MINUTES TURN FRACTIC AS MOROCCO PRESS, SENEGAL HOLD FIRM
The closing stages of extra time are becoming increasingly tense and physical. Yellow cards are shown to Mamadou Sarr for a rash challenge and to Youssef En Nesyri after a late foul, reflecting the growing desperation on both sides.
Senegal almost put the final beyond doubt when Cherif Ndiaye found space inside the box, first forcing a fine save from the Moroccan goalkeeper before narrowly dragging the rebound wide of the post — a huge let-off for the hosts.
Morocco continue to pile on pressure through set-pieces, but Edouard Mendy remains commanding, rising confidently to claim crosses and repel danger. With time ticking away, Senegal are defending deep, Morocco are throwing everything forward, and the AFCON final is heading towards a dramatic conclusion.
🕙 21:45 GMT | CROSSBAR DENIES MOROCCO AS EXTRA TIME DRAMA CONTINUES
Morocco come agonisingly close to forcing an equaliser early in the second period of extra time. From a corner, Nayef Aguerd rises highest near the penalty spot and thunders a header that crashes off the crossbar — the closest the hosts have come to rescuing the final.
Achraf Hakimi and Ilias Akhomach continue to deliver dangerous set-pieces as Morocco push relentlessly, while Senegal respond with a change of their own, introducing Ismail Jakobs to shore up the left side.
The first period of extra time has passed with Senegal still clinging to their slender lead, but the momentum is firmly with Morocco. With every corner and cross, the tension inside the stadium is rising — this final is on a knife-edge.
🕙 21:40 GMT | MOROCCO PRESS, SENEGAL HOLD FIRM
Morocco are throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser as extra time ticks on. Youssef En-Nesyri comes agonisingly close, rising highest in the box to meet a cross, but his powerful header drifts just wide of the left post — a huge let-off for Senegal.
Edouard Mendy continues to be pivotal, denying En-Nesyri moments earlier after Abde Ezzalzouli’s perfectly weighted through ball, before receiving treatment following a collision. The Senegal keeper is soon back on his feet, calming nerves at the back.
Walid Regragui rolls the dice, introducing fresh legs as Brahim Díaz and Noussair Mazraoui make way, while Senegal look to manage the tempo, with Sadio Mané attempting to relieve pressure through probing passes.
The hosts are piling on the pressure, but with time running out, Senegal remain narrowly ahead — and increasingly within touching distance of AFCON glory.
🕘 21:24 GMT | EXTRA TIME EXPLODES – GUEYE STUNS MOROCCO
The AFCON final has burst into life in extra time. Just three minutes into the first period, Pape Gueye produces a moment of pure brilliance, dancing past defenders before unleashing a sensational strike from the edge of the box into the top right corner. Bono is left rooted — Senegal lead 1–0 in the final.
Morocco respond with urgency. Brahim Díaz tests Edouard Mendy with a fierce effort aimed at the roof of the net, but the Senegal goalkeeper remains composed, making yet another crucial save to preserve his side’s advantage.
Tension is sky-high as Morocco push for an equaliser and Senegal dig deep, knowing they are just minutes away from continental glory in a final that has delivered drama, controversy and now a decisive breakthrough.
🕘 21:18 GMT | PENALTY – MENDY THE HERO!
Extraordinary scenes deep into stoppage time in this AFCON final. After a lengthy VAR review, Morocco are finally awarded a penalty for a foul in the box, sparking celebrations among the Atlas Lions and intense protests from Senegal.
Brahim Díaz steps up to take responsibility with the weight of a nation on his shoulders — but Edouard Mendy rises to the moment. The Senegal goalkeeper keeps his nerve and denies Díaz from the spot, sending the Senegal bench into wild celebrations.
The penalty miss keeps the final goalless and leaves this contest on a razor’s edge as the clock continues to tick in extraordinary added time.
🕘 21:03 GMT | VAR CHECK IN THE FINAL
There is a VAR check for penalty after some infringement in the box. Before the stoppage, Morocco pile on the pressure with a succession of corners, though Senegal’s defence stands firm. Both sides also freshen things up late on, with Cherif Ndiaye introduced for Senegal and Anass Salah-Eddine coming on for Morocco. The VAR decision is pending.
🕘 20:56 GMT | TENSION RISING IN STOPPAGE TIME – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
The AFCON final is finely balanced deep into added time. Senegal win a precious corner as they look to relieve pressure, but moments later Abdoulaye Seck is penalised for a heavy challenge, handing Morocco another chance to push forward. Just before that, Abde Ezzalzouli came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, swivelling sharply in the box before blasting narrowly over the crossbar. With eight minutes of stoppage time in play, nerves are stretched to the limit as both sides hunt for a decisive moment late on.
🕘 20:50 GMT | EIGHT MINUTES ADDED AS MOROCCO PUSH FOR A LATE WINNER – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
Drama is building in Rabat as the fourth official signals eight minutes of added time. Morocco are knocking loudly on the door, with Abde Ezzalzouli twice going close — first denied brilliantly by Edouard Mendy from point-blank range, then firing narrowly over the crossbar moments later. The hosts are pressing with intent, while Senegal are digging deep, absorbing pressure and looking to survive the late onslaught. With injuries slowing the tempo and substitutions breaking rhythm, this final is delicately poised as the clock runs down and extra time looms large unless a decisive moment arrives.
🕘 20:40 GMT | CHANGES ON BOTH SIDES AS FINAL ENTERS LAST 10 MINUTES – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
Both benches are rolling the dice as the AFCON final heads into its closing stages. Morocco introduce fresh legs with Youssef En-Nesyri and Oussama Targhalline coming on, while Senegal respond with a triple change, bringing on Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye and Abdoulaye Seck in search of a late breakthrough. Achraf Hakimi continues to provide Morocco’s main attacking outlet from wide areas, but Senegal’s defence remains disciplined. With time ticking away, the tension inside the stadium is rising as neither side has found the decisive moment yet.
🕘 20:27 GMT | PRESSURE BUILDS AS CHANCES COME AND GO – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
The final is opening up. Morocco have come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, with Ayoub El Kaabi twice going within inches of scoring and Abde Ezzalzouli firing just over from a loose ball in the box. Senegal are responding with movement in attack but lacking precision in the final pass. The physical toll is beginning to show, with both El Hadji Malick Diouf and Neil El Aynaoui requiring medical attention as the intensity rises. Morocco continue to threaten from wide areas through Achraf Hakimi, but the Senegal defence is holding firm in a tense, finely poised contest.
🕘 20:16 GMT | SECOND HALF INTENSITY RISES – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
The tempo has lifted since the restart. Senegal are beginning to enjoy more possession and probe down the flanks, with El Hadji Malick Diouf sending in a dangerous cross that needed clearing. Morocco remain a threat from set pieces, as Achraf Hakimi has already tested the Senegal defence with a series of corners and a powerful free kick that thumped into the wall. Fouls are creeping into the game as both sides battle for control, underlining the tension of a final that remains finely balanced with the deadlock still unbroken.
🕗 20:06 GMT | SECOND HALF UNDERWAY – Senegal 0–0 Morocco
We’re back in action at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah as the AFCON final resumes. Morocco get the second half started, looking to build on their late first-half momentum, while Senegal reset with renewed focus after soaking up pressure before the break. With the trophy on the line and margins so fine, the next goal—if it comes—could be decisive. Stay with us as the drama continues in Rabat.
19:50 GMT – 🕒 HALF-TIME | AFCON Final: Senegal 0–0 Morocco
It’s all square at the break in Rabat after a tense, finely balanced first half. Morocco finished strongly, winning a flurry of late corners, with Abde Ezzalzouli and Ismael Saibari both testing the Senegal defence, though shots were blocked and crosses well cleared. Achraf Hakimi opted for a short corner deep into stoppage time as the hosts probed for an opener. Senegal weathered the pressure and will be pleased to head into the interval level, with Lamine Camara shaking off a knock to continue. A goalless scoreline, but plenty of quality and intensity—this final is delicately poised heading into the second half.
19:40 GMT – Morocco have threatened mainly from set pieces, though Abde Ezzalzouli’s deliveries have so far failed to trouble the Senegalese defence. Fouls continue to interrupt the rhythm, with Nicolas Jackson among those penalised as both sides battle fiercely in a gripping, high-stakes final.
19:30 GMT – Thirty minutes on the clock and it is still goalless. The tension is rising as we edge closer to half-time in Rabat. Senegal have come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, with Iliman Ndiaye racing clear and firing low, only for Yassine Bounou to produce a stunning reflex save to keep Morocco level. Ndiaye later required treatment after a heavy knock, briefly halting Senegal’s momentum.
19:20 GMT – Morocco and The game is getting intense after 20 minutes of action with both sides threatening each other’s goal. The final remains finely balanced as the contest grows more physical and tactical. Senegal continue to press, with Sadio Mané closely marshalled by the Moroccan defence, while Lamine Camara becomes the first player booked after a strong challenge in midfield. Morocco have had glimpses going forward, most notably when Ismael Saibari fired well wide from the edge of the box and Abde Ezzalzouli saw a promising solo run halted. The referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been busy, breaking up play with a series of fouls as both sides battle fiercely for control in the middle of the park.
19:10 GMT – Morocco and Senegal show early signs of going for the win as both sides continue to look for the opening opportunity. So far a balanced game. A lively and physical opening to the final in Rabat. Senegal have started on the front foot, forcing early corners and coming closest to breaking the deadlock when Pape Gueye powered a header from a set-piece that was superbly saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper. Sadio Mané has been influential down the flank, winning corners with dangerous deliveries, while Morocco have shown composure in possession, patiently circulating the ball and probing for openings. The referee Jean-Jacques Ndala
19:00 GMT – KICK-OFF: Morocco get the AFCON 2025 final underway against Senegal in Rabat. The next 90 minutes — or more — will decide everything. You can follow our live play by play updates by clicking here
18:55 GMT – The players are nearly out: the anthem moments, the final instructions, the last deep breaths — Africa is about to crown its champion.
18:50 GMT – Final reminder: kick-off 19:00 GMT. We’ll bring the match updates live every five minutes once the game begins.
18:45 GMT – The stadium is filling: Rabat is ready for a night that could end a 50-year wait — or confirm Senegal’s modern era of dominance.
18:40 GMT – Senegal have been disciplined in big moments — but the absence of Koulibaly is a significant leadership gap at the heart of defence.
18:35 GMT – Morocco’s set-piece output has been a weapon at this tournament; Senegal’s aerial strength and organisation will be tested under pressure.
18:30 GMT – Expect nerves early: AFCON finals are rarely open from the start — the opening 20 minutes often define the tempo for the entire night.
18:25 GMT – Ndala’s officiating team has been confirmed, with assistants from DR Congo and Congo, plus a South African fourth official — and a multinational VAR unit.
18:20 GMT – Morocco have five clean sheets and Senegal have four — the final could be decided by one moment, one error, or one save.
18:15 GMT – Morocco’s final history: champions in 1976 (no direct final), runners-up in 2004 — tonight is a chance to rewrite a 50-year narrative.
18:10 GMT – Senegal’s final history: runners-up in 2002 and 2019, champions in 2021 — only one goal has been scored in their last two finals combined. Both teams are out on the pitch now withy a big round of applause after the closing ceremony performances ended.
18:05 GMT – Morocco have scored nine goals at this AFCON and conceded one; Senegal have scored 12 and conceded two — two complete teams built for knockout football. The line-ups are here and these are the men to fight for the title tonight.
The FINAL lineups. 🏆
Senegal and Morocco name their starting XIs. 🇸🇳🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/dsVpXPGk7q
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
18:00 GMT – We are one hour from kick-off: Morocco v Senegal, Rabat, 19:00 GMT — the last night of AFCON 2025 begins to feel real.
17:55 GMT – Two ambitions, one trophy: Morocco carry nostalgia and national hunger; Senegal bring sustained excellence and the mentality of winners.
17:50 GMT – The match ball story adds ceremony: CAF and PUMA have unveiled a special edition “ITRI” ball with gold accents for tonight’s final.
17:45 GMT – Reminder: kick-off is 19:00 GMT — stay with us as the stadium atmosphere builds and final-day tension rises.
17:40 GMT – Expect a tactical contest: Morocco’s controlled build-up and set-piece strength meet Senegal’s maturity and ability to win tight knockout games.
17:35 GMT – Senegal are facing the host nation in an AFCON final for the first time — they have beaten Egypt on penalties in a final before.
17:30 GMT – Morocco are aiming to become the 12th host nation to win AFCON (excluding 1959, when there was no final).
17:25 GMT – Senegal’s Mendy is chasing his own mark: four clean sheets already, and a fifth would equal Senegal’s best clean-sheet run at an AFCON.
17:20 GMT – Morocco’s clean-sheet count is already a national talking point: Bounou is the first Moroccan keeper with five at a single AFCON edition.
17:15 GMT – Senegal’s message remains consistent: respect the host nation, but treat it as “11 v 11” when the whistle goes.
17:10 GMT – Morocco’s coach Regragui says his fear is the team not playing freely under pressure — tonight is about embracing the occasion, not shrinking from it.
17:05 GMT – Morocco are chasing a second continental title — their first since 1976 — while Senegal can win their second after lifting the trophy in 2021.
17:00 GMT – Teams begin to settle into their final-day rhythms: Morocco with home expectation, Senegal with tournament experience and the calm of champions.
16:55 GMT – The referee storyline is set: Jean-Jacques Ndala, who handled the opening match, has been entrusted with the final — a symbolic “first whistle to last whistle” arc.
16:50 GMT – A note of continental balance: this is the ninth AFCON final between West Africa and North Africa — the previous eight are split evenly (4 wins each).
16:45 GMT – Morocco have gone 477 minutes without conceding a goal; their back line has turned Rabat into a fortress this tournament.
16:40 GMT – Senegal have not conceded more than one goal in any match since 2017 — their defensive structure has become a long-running identity.
16:35 GMT – If tonight goes the distance, history is loud: nine AFCON finals have been decided on penalties — and several in recent years ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.
16:30 GMT – Finals often hinge on tiny details: AFCON history says the commonest scorelines are 1-0 and 0-0 — and recent finals have been especially tight.
16:25 GMT – Senegal’s Sadio Mané has moved into elite company: his semi-final goal was his 11th at AFCON, taking his overall goal involvements to 20.
16:20 GMT – Díaz is one goal away from matching Ahmed Faras’ AFCON record for Morocco; another strike tonight would be a historic moment.
Great nights demand great names. Mané and Díaz, built for moments like this. 🌟
Your players to watch tonight! 🇸🇳🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @football2gether pic.twitter.com/0N82xU5DWE
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
16:15 GMT – Morocco’s Brahim Díaz remains one of the tournament’s headline names — scored in each of his first five matches before drawing a blank in the semi-final.
16:10 GMT – Morocco forward Eliesse Ben Seghir points to the emotion in the camp: seeing senior players cry after reaching the final shows what this means to the country.
16:05 GMT – Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw strikes a careful tone: “Today, it’s the image of Africa that is at stake… we must not spoil it.”
16:00 GMT – A key blow for Senegal: Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended, missing an AFCON final for the second time — they also lose Habib Diarra to suspension. But some uplifting news for Senegal is that rapper Akon is here to offer his support to the Teranga Lions:
Akon’s love for Africa runs deep. 🫶
An extraordinary AFCON experience, is even more special as Senegal reached the final. 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/sNjxr3zbvs
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
15:55 GMT – Senegal carry a big defensive note too: they’ve conceded only two goals in the tournament and have been ruthless in knockout control.
15:50 GMT – Senegal’s route: topped Group D, beat Sudan 3-1, edged Mali 1-0, then defeated Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mané.
15:45 GMT – Morocco’s route: topped Group A, edged Tanzania, beat Cameroon 2-0, then held Nigeria to 0-0 before winning on penalties.
15:40 GMT – Goalkeepers could be decisive: Morocco’s Yassine Bounou has five clean sheets; Senegal’s Edouard Mendy has four.
15:35 GMT – The setting is ready: the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will host the showpiece, with Morocco playing their seventh match in Rabat — Senegal have played all theirs in Tangier until now.
Effort is unseen. The reward? Unforgettable.
Come into the light. The #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 trophy. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/UouvOX9sH5
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
15:30 GMT – Senegal’s Moussa Niakhaté summed up their mindset: finals have become “a habit” — but he insists only one team will lift the trophy tonight.
15:25 GMT – It’s a final framed by emotion: Regragui admits the pressure is heavier on the hosts and says managing emotion could be the difference.
The Lions. For the second star. For everything. 🏆
Senegal vs Morocco tonight for the ultimate glory. The #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 title. pic.twitter.com/xpzCS0XODS
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
15:20 GMT – Senegal have scored in all six of their matches at this AFCON — a consistency that makes them a threat even when games tighten.
15:15 GMT – Morocco have conceded just one goal in the entire tournament, the best defensive record heading into the final.
15:10 GMT – One stat sets the tone: this is the first AFCON meeting between Morocco and Senegal, but their 32nd match overall — with Morocco historically dominant (18 wins to Senegal’s six).
15:05 GMT – The countdown begins: Morocco are chasing their first title since 1976, while Senegal are appearing in their fourth AFCON final, aiming for a second crown after 2021.
15:00 GMT – We’re live in Rabat for the final day of AFCON 2025, with Senegal v hosts Morocco the last chapter of a month-long story of pressure, pride and big moments.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final day.
Not a normal day. Not a normal title. History is written today.
It’s the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 FINAL DAY. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WQZWF7mFQb
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
One match remains, and by the end of tonight Africa will have a new champion.
Hosts Morocco face Senegal under the Rabat lights at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.
We will bring you rolling updates throughout the afternoon and evening, with every key development, team news and atmosphere check captured as it happens.
Morocco have carried a nation’s hope all the way to the final, chasing a first AFCON title since 1976.
Senegal arrive with the calm of champions, bidding to add a second crown to the one they lifted in 2021.
After a month of tension, drama and knockout grit, it all comes down to one last night and one last performance.
Stay with us from 15:00 GMT as we build up to kick-off — all timings in GMT.
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