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18 Jan 2026 - 22:41
 (22:41 GMT)

That’s a wrap

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finally concludes as Senegal steal the final in extra time to prevent a home tournament victory for Morocco.

It was a final that had everything, and will be remembered for some unsavoury scenes at the end of regulation time after the hosts were awarded a late but just penalty.

Had Brahim Diaz converted, we would have been telling a very different tale.

We hope you enjoyed our entire coverage of this fascinating tournament, and, on behalf of Kevin Hand and Patrick Keddie, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:35
 (22:35 GMT)

Senegal lift Africa Cup of Nations trophy

It is finally time for the moment they have all been waiting for.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe is given the honour of handing over the trophy to captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who then hands it to Sadio Mane.

The Al-Nassr forward pretends to lift it a few times before finally hoisting the trophy aloft, to great fanfare and celebration.

Mane is then hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates, which will be an image forever etched in the minds of all Senegal fans.

Senegal’s Sadio Mane lifts the trophy [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]
Senegal celebrate their victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat [AFP]

18 Jan 2026 - 22:33
 (22:33 GMT)

Match report is now live

There is a lot to dissect after this dramatic final.

Make sure to dive into our comprehensive match report, which you can find here.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:29
 (22:29 GMT)

Senegal handed winners’ medals

Now it is time for the newly minted Africa Cup of Nations champions to collect their medals.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:27
 (22:27 GMT)

Morocco receive runners-up medals

A dejected Moroccan side now have to suffer the ignominy of collecting “second-best” medals in a home tournament final.

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi looks dejected as he receives his runners-up medal [AFP]
18 Jan 2026 - 22:26
 (22:26 GMT)

Referees felicitated

They have had their hands full tonight, as they collect their individual medals.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:24
 (22:24 GMT)

Mane named Man of the Tournament

For inspiring his side to this unlikely victory, Senegal’s Sadio Mane is bestowed the tournament’s most prestigious individual accolade.

All three winners, Diaz, Mane and Bounou, then pose for the cameras on the podium.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:22
 (22:22 GMT)

Diaz wins Golden Boot

After putting away five goals in the lead-up to this final, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz is handed the award.

He is provided with some consoling words from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz receives the Golden Boot from FIFA President Gianni Infantino [AFP]
18 Jan 2026 - 22:21
 (22:21 GMT)

Bounou wins best goalkeeper award

For conceding just two goals in the tournament, the Moroccan shot stopper is shown some love by the presentation panel.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:19
 (22:19 GMT)

Morocco receive Fair Play Award

A forlorn looking Hakimi steps up to collect the first of several tournament awards.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:17
 (22:17 GMT)

Up next on Al Jazeera Sport

Our football coverage continues into next week as we shift our focus to the Champions League.

We have a heavyweight battle on our hands as Arsenal take on Inter Milan on January 20.

The live coverage is set to start at 17:00 GMT, so make sure to tune in.

 

18 Jan 2026 - 22:13
 (22:13 GMT)

Trophy carried out

The presentation ceremony is about to start in Rabat as the trophy is brought out and onto the field.

18 Jan 2026 - 22:12
 (22:12 GMT)

Your 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions

18 Jan 2026 - 22:08
 (22:08 GMT)

Pape Gueye is the Player of the Final

After delivering a moment of brilliance to push his side into the lead, Senegal’s Papa Gueye is your Player of the Final.

 

18 Jan 2026 - 22:03
 (22:03 GMT)

Morocco hurting

The camera pans from the sheer jubilation of the Senegalese players, then back to the Moroccans, who are looking completely despondent.

The home fans are exiting quietly on a night which promised so much more.

18 Jan 2026 - 21:59
 (21:59 GMT)

Senegal upset Morocco’s hopes of home trophy win

Despite the most acrimonious of endings in the tail-end of regulation stoppage time, Senegal have been able to prevail in this most dramatic of finals.

Pape Gueye’s goal in extra time decided the contest once and for all, despite both sides having several chances to score throughout.

Morocco, who were awarded a penalty opportunity in the dying stages of regulation time, were unable to put it away after a terrible spot kick from Brahim Diaz. From that moment on, the momentum was fully in the visitor’s favour.

Full-time: Senegal 1-0 Morocco 

18 Jan 2026 - 21:57
 (21:57 GMT)

Full-time: Senegal 1-0 Morocco

Senegal survive to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against hosts Morocco!

The players are overcome with joy as Mane races in celebration towards the sideline.

Full-time: Senegal 1-0 Morocco 

18 Jan 2026 - 21:55
 (21:55 GMT)

Morocco fighting to the end

Senegal are trying to hold onto possession and knock off as much time as possible.

120+2 mins: Senegal 1-0 Morocco 

18 Jan 2026 - 21:53
 (21:53 GMT)

Three minutes added

Just three minutes left now for Morocco to take this final to the bitter end.

120+1 mins: Senegal 1-0 Morocco 

18 Jan 2026 - 21:52
 (21:52 GMT)

Two minutes remaining

Morocco are mobilising all personnel as they try to eke out a last-minute equaliser.

Senegal are sitting deeper now as they try to manage the clock.

119 mins: Senegal 1-0 Morocco 

Match Summary

 

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