By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
AFCON 2025: Full List of Award Winners as Senegal Lift Trophy in Morocco
Senegal crowned a golden chapter in African football history on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Rabat.
In a pulsating final played under floodlights and roaring stands, the Teranga Lions showed grit, patience and championship character, grinding out a dramatic 1–0 victory after extra time to claim their second continental title.
The tightly contested showdown was decided by Pape Gueye, whose thunderous finish in the first half of extra time finally broke Moroccan resistance after 90 minutes of tactical chess between both sides.
Morocco, backed by a sea of red and green inside the stadium, pushed relentlessly for an equaliser.
Their best chance came when Brahim Diaz stepped up for a daring panenka penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it perfectly, stretching out a strong hand to keep his side in front and on course for glory.
A Final Fit for African Royalty
The final was the climax of a tournament that delivered drama, upsets, rising stars and unforgettable moments across Moroccan cities for over a month.
From packed stadiums in Casablanca and Marrakech to nail-biting knockout clashes, AFCON 2025 proved once again why African football remains one of the most thrilling spectacles in world sport.
Senegal marched through the competition with authority, blending experience and youthful firepower. Morocco, meanwhile, rode on home support and technical brilliance, but fell just short on the biggest night.
As confetti rained and the trophy was lifted under fireworks, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also unveiled the official award winners of the tournament, recognising the standout teams and players who lit up the competition.
AFCON 2025 Award Winners
After weeks of fierce competition, here are the players and teams who earned continental honours:
Fair Play Team of the Tournament:
Morocco, for their discipline, sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the competition.
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament:
Yassine Bounou (Morocco) — the safe hands behind Morocco’s deep run, producing match-saving stops from the group stage to the final.
Top Scorer (Golden Boot):
Brahim Diaz (Morocco), five goals in a sensational tournament, announcing himself as one of Africa’s deadliest attackers.
Player of the Tournament:
Sadio Mané (Senegal), the heartbeat of Senegal’s title run, inspiring his teammates with leadership, pace and match-winning quality.
A Tournament to Remember
AFCON 2025 will be remembered for its intensity, emotion and the rise of new heroes.
From underdogs stunning giants to veterans delivering when it mattered most, the tournament once again reminded the world that African football is rich in talent, passion and pride.
For Senegal, the night belonged to them, champions of Africa once again. And for the rest of the continent, the countdown to the next chapter has already begun.
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