Senegal may have emerged as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the Teranga Lions will not be keeping the original AFCON trophy—an outcome that has little to do with events on the pitch.

Thomas Partey’s Villarreal teammate, Pape Gueye, was the hero on a dramatic night in Morocco, scoring the decisive goal in extra time to seal Senegal’s second continental title and silence a partisan home crowd.

Senegal’s victory over hosts Morocco delivered emotion, controversy, and high drama in equal measure. Battling injuries, suspensions, and several heated officiating moments, the Teranga Lions showed immense resilience to conquer Africa on Moroccan soil.

How Senegal edged Morocco to lift AFCON 2025

The final was a tense affair, with few clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges. Iliman Ndiaye and Ayoub El Kaabi both missed opportunities before halftime, reflecting the cautious nature of the contest.

Late drama followed. Senegal briefly thought they had won the match from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out. Moments later, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty at the other end, sparking furious protests from Senegalese players and head coach Pape Thiaw, who briefly walked off the pitch with his team.

The interruption appeared to unsettle Morocco. Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz stepped up but missed the spot kick, pushing the final into extra time.
Belief quickly surged through the Senegal camp, and in the 94th minute, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal, a moment that ultimately secured the title.

Why Senegal won’t keep the original AFCON trophy

During the celebrations, CAF president Patrice Motsepe presented Senegal with the iconic AFCON trophy. However, CAF regulations state that the original cup is used strictly for presentation purposes.

According to CAF Online, once the champions’ name is engraved, the trophy is lifted, celebrated with, and then returned to CAF. The winning team later receives an official replica to keep permanently.

This policy was introduced in 2002 after CAF lost two previous trophies: the Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem Trophy (1957–1978) and the African Unity Trophy (1980–2000). CAF rules also require the original trophy to be returned at least two months before the next AFCON tournament.

As a result, Senegal join a long list of champions who briefly held the original trophy on the night but departed with a replica as their lasting symbol of glory.

AFCON prize money

Beyond the silverware, Senegal’s triumph came with a major financial reward. The champions earned $10 million, while runners-up Morocco received 60% less for finishing second.