Senegal is the current champion of Africa after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held on January 18, 2026. The tournament, which ran from December 21, 2025, to mid-January 2026, saw the Teranga Lions secure their second continental title through a 94th-minute extra-time goal by Pape Gueye. Nigeria claimed the bronze medal after a third-place playoff victory over Egypt, while Morocco’s Brahim Díaz finished as a prominent figure despite a dramatic penalty miss in the final.
In this exhaustive guide, we provide a complete breakdown of every match result from the group stages through to the final in Rabat. You will find detailed scorelines, final group standings, and analysis of the knockout rounds that defined this historic edition of African football. From the high-scoring victories of Algeria to the resilient defensive displays of DR Congo, this article serves as the definitive record of the 2025 AFCON journey.
2025 AFCON Final Match Results
The 2025 AFCON final concluded with Senegal defeating Morocco 1-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match was decided in extra time when Pape Gueye found the back of the net in the 94th minute, silencing a home crowd of over 60,000.
The game was marked by significant tactical discipline and a controversial moment involving a missed Panenka penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz. This victory marks Senegal’s second title in three editions, cementing their status as the dominant force in modern African football.
Group A Standings and Scores
Morocco dominated Group A, finishing top with 7 points after securing wins over Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0), alongside a draw with Mali. The Atlas Lions showcased a potent attack led by Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz, qualifying comfortably for the knockout stages.
Mali secured the second automatic qualification spot with 3 points, remarkably drawing all three of their group matches. Comoros and Zambia were both eliminated after failing to secure a win, finishing with 2 points each in a highly competitive opening pool.
Group B Standings and Scores
Egypt finished at the summit of Group B with 7 points, bolstered by the clinical finishing of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Their path included a 2-1 opening win over Zimbabwe and a crucial 1-0 victory against South Africa.
South Africa followed in second place with 6 points after recovering from their loss to Egypt to beat both Angola and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe and Angola finished third and fourth respectively, with the latter failing to secure a single victory despite several promising performances.
Group C Standings and Scores
Nigeria was the only team in the tournament to finish the group stage with a perfect record, collecting 9 points in Group C. The Super Eagles showcased their offensive depth with an 8-goal haul across matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Tunisia managed to secure second place with 4 points, narrowly edging out Tanzania on goal difference. Uganda finished at the bottom of the group with 1 point, struggling to contain the high-press systems utilized by the North and West African powerhouses.
Group D Standings and Scores
Senegal and DR Congo both finished Group D with 7 points, but the Teranga Lions took the top spot due to a superior goal difference of +6. Senegal’s 3-0 demolition of Botswana set the tone for their tournament, while DR Congo proved difficult to beat, conceding only once.
Benin finished third with 3 points after a solitary win against Botswana, which was not enough to secure a “best third-place” spot. Botswana ended their campaign with zero points and zero goals, highlighting the gulf in class in the “Group of Death.”
Group E Standings and Scores
Algeria mirrored Nigeria’s dominance by winning all three matches in Group E, finishing with 9 points and a +6 goal difference. Riyad Mahrez remained a central figure, scoring key goals in their victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.
Burkina Faso secured the runner-up spot with 6 points, showing great resilience in their 2-0 win over Sudan on the final matchday. Equatorial Guinea and Sudan were eliminated, with the former suffering three consecutive losses in a disappointing exit.
Group F Standings and Scores
Côte d’Ivoire topped Group F with 7 points, narrowly ahead of Cameroon on goal difference. The Ivorians’ 3-2 victory over Gabon in the final group game was one of the matches of the tournament, featuring a late winner from Oumar Diakité.
Cameroon remained undefeated with 7 points but settled for second after a 1-1 draw with Côte d’Ivoire earlier in the round. Mozambique finished third with 3 points, while Gabon bottomed the group despite a star-studded lineup including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Knockout Stage: Round of 16 Results
| Matchup | Result | Key Scorer |
| Senegal vs. Sudan | 3-1 | Papa Gueye (2) |
| Mali vs. Tunisia | 1-1 (3-2 pens) | Lassine Sinayoko |
| Morocco vs. Tanzania | 1-0 | Brahim Díaz |
| South Africa vs. Cameroon | 1-2 | Junior Tchamadeu |
| Egypt vs. Benin | 3-1 (AET) | Mohamed Salah |
| Nigeria vs. Mozambique | 4-0 | Victor Osimhen (2) |
| Algeria vs. DR Congo | 1-0 (AET) | Boulbina |
| Côte d’Ivoire vs. Burkina Faso | 3-0 | Amad Diallo |
The Round of 16 was defined by the elimination of several dark horses, including DR Congo and Tunisia. Nigeria’s 4-0 dismantling of Mozambique sent a clear message to the rest of the field, while Morocco struggled to a narrow 1-0 win over a defensive Tanzania.
Quarter-Finals: Elite Performance Summaries
The quarter-finals saw the departure of the defending champions’ neighbors as Senegal defeated Mali 1-0 in a tense West African derby. Senegal’s Ndiaye scored the only goal in the 27th minute, as the Lions focused on a “clean sheet first” philosophy that would carry them to the trophy.
In other matches, Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0, and Nigeria dispatched Algeria 2-0 in a battle of the heavyweights. The most dramatic fixture saw Egypt overcome Côte d’Ivoire 3-2, with Mohamed Salah scoring the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to settle a five-goal thriller.
Semi-Finals: The Path to the Final
The semi-finals produced two distinct narratives of victory. Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 thanks to a 78th-minute strike from Sadio Mane, avenging previous historical heartbreaks. Egypt’s fatigue from consecutive high-intensity matches finally showed as they struggled to break down the Senegalese low block.
In the second semi-final, Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes. The match was a defensive masterclass from both sides, but Morocco’s superior nerves from the spot allowed them to reach their first home final in decades.
Third-Place Playoff: Nigeria vs. Egypt
In the battle for the bronze medal, Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless draw in Casablanca. Both teams rested several key starters, but the match remained a high-level technical affair.
The result provided some consolation for the Super Eagles, who remained the tournament’s highest-scoring team. For Egypt, the fourth-place finish marked a respectable but ultimately disappointing end to Mohamed Salah’s quest for a first AFCON title.
Practical Information and Planning
For those planning to attend future AFCON tournaments or looking back at the 2025 logistics in Morocco, the following details are essential:
- Host Cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tanger, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fès.
- Ticket Prices: Ranged from $10 (Category 3) to $150 (VIP Final).
- Transport: Morocco utilized its high-speed “Al Boraq” train network to move fans between Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca in record time.
- What to Expect: High-security presence, fan zones in every major city, and a vibrant atmosphere characterized by North African “Ultras” culture.
- Visitor Tip: Always buy tickets through the official CAF portal to avoid the widespread counterfeit issues seen in earlier editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the AFCON 2025 title?
Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final. The decisive goal was scored by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute of extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Who was the top scorer of AFCON 2025?
Brahim Díaz of Morocco won the Golden Boot, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 5 goals. Despite his personal success, he is often remembered for a missed “Panenka” penalty in the final minutes of the championship match.
What was the result of the third-place playoff?
Nigeria claimed the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in regulation time. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero, notably denying a penalty from Mohamed Salah.
Which team won the Best Player award?
Senegal’s Sadio Mané was named the tournament’s Best Player (TotalEnergies Man of the Competition). His leadership and crucial 78th-minute goal in the semi-final against Egypt were instrumental in the Teranga Lions’ march to the title.
Where was the 2025 AFCON held?
The tournament was hosted by Morocco across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fès. It was the first time the competition was played during the Christmas and New Year period (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026).
How many goals were scored in AFCON 2025?
A total of 121 goals were scored across 52 matches, averaging 2.33 goals per game. This high scoring rate contributed to the tournament being hailed as one of the most entertaining in recent history.
What was the controversy in the AFCON 2025 final?
The final was marred by a Senegal walk-off protest after a controversial VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco in the final minutes. After a 15-minute delay and persuasion from captain Sadio Mané, the team returned to the pitch before winning in extra time.
Which team had the best defensive record?
Senegal maintained the strongest defensive presence, conceding only two goals throughout the entire tournament. Their disciplined backline, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, was key to their second continental title.
Did any “underdog” teams perform well in 2025?
Sudan and Mozambique were the standout surprise packages, both advancing to the Round of 16. Sudan’s resilience in a tough group and Mozambique’s high-scoring win over Gabon were highlights for smaller footballing nations.
When and where is the next AFCON?
The next Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2027, is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This will be the first time the tournament is hosted across three different East African nations.
Final Thoughts
The AFCON results of 2025 have solidified a new hierarchy in African football, with Senegal’s tactical maturity and mental resilience overcoming Morocco’s home-field advantage. The tournament will be remembered not only for the high quality of football—evidenced by the 121 goals scored—but also for the unprecedented drama that unfolded in the final minutes in Rabat. From the tactical brilliance of Pape Thiaw to the heartbreaking missed Panenka by Brahim Díaz, this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations provided a spectacle that captured the global sporting imagination.
As the continent looks forward to the 2027 edition in East Africa, the 2025 tournament serves as a blueprint for modern continental competitions, highlighting the importance of veteran leadership and the fine margins of VAR-influenced matches. For Senegal, the victory cements a “golden generation” that has now secured two titles in three attempts. For the rest of the continent, the rise of teams like DR Congo and the offensive output of Nigeria suggest that the gap between the traditional elite and the chasing pack is narrower than ever.
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