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Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title

Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday.

Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, giving the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.

Late drama and key saves

The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt was easily saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch.

Mane praised as Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title
Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON 2025 title – Getty image

Riot police intervened, but the Teranga Lions regrouped to take the decisive moment in extra time.

Gueye secures victory

Minutes into extra time, Senegal countered swiftly, with Gueye finishing a fine move into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied, with Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to the Teranga Lions’ aid.

Balanced contest despite absences

Senegal managed the win despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta.

The Teranga Lions had early chances, including Pape Gueye heading over after a Lamine Camara delivery and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.

Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout the match.

The final was a tense, highly competitive affair, highlighted by physical clashes and close-range opportunities. The Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning on home soil were dashed, despite dominant periods and a late penalty opportunity.

Senegal’s resilience under pressure and clinical finishing in extra time earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.

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AFCON: ‘NFF Is A Very Unserious Organization’ – BBNaija Star, Tacha Blows Hot After Super Eagles Loss To Morocco

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the Super Eagles’ defeat to Morocco.

Recall that Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the hosts in Rabat, effectively ending their dream of a fourth continental title.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Tacha joined other Nigerians in condemning the selection of two referees from rival countries for Wednesday’s game.

Describing the NFF as a very unserious organisation, the reality TV star said they would have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to change the referees.

She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries. Ghana and South Africa How?? The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF! And even if CAF refuses to change them, the petition alone puts referees on CHECK.

“But Instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football. The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.

“This wasn’t “home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football.”

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Nigerian Billionaire, Abdul Samad Rabiu Gifts Super Eagles $500k Despite Loss To Morocco

Billionaire industrialist and Nigeria’s second-richest man, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced a major financial reward for the Super Eagles following their dramatic defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

Recall that moments after Nigeria sealed a 2-0 win in the quarter finals to book a place in the semi-finals, Rabiu had revealed a cash incentive package running into millions of dollars, aimed at spurring the team towards continental glory.

“You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.

“To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored.

“Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final,” Rabiu had pledged.

However, Nigeria failed to beat Morocco in the Semi-final, losing 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday night.

With many thinking the Super Eagles have missed out on a huge financial reward, Abdul Samad Rabiu took to his Instagram page to reveal that he would still be fulfilling his pledge to the Nigerian football national team.

He wrote: “To our brave Super Eagles,

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, l am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.

“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories! Proudly Nigerian.” 

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Super Eagles Squad Trains Behind Closed Doors Ahead Of Semi-Final Clash With Morocco

The Super Eagles trained behind closed doors in Rabat on Monday as they ramp up preparations for the highly anticipated AFCON semi-final against host nation Morocco.

The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, said the decision to shut the session to the public was taken to allow head coach Eric Chelle to conduct detailed tactical work away from outside scrutiny.

The closed-door training was held at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat.

Efoghe also confirmed that the media will be granted access to the opening 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training session before the squad resumes private drills.

The Super Eagles are hoping to reach their second final since lifting the title in 2013 and finishing as runner-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast.

Morocco and Nigeria will clash at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, on Wednesday.

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AFCON 2025: Why Victor Osimhen Will Captain Super Eagles Against Morocco

Victor Osimhen has been named captain of the Super Eagles for their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This is because, the team’s captain, Wilfred Ndidi is suspended for the game due to card accumulation.

Ndidi was cautioned in Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique.

The Besiktas star was also booked in the quarter-final tie against Tunisia.

Recall that Osimhen captained the Super Eagles in their last group game against Uganda.

Osimhen was named Super Eagles vice-captain on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

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BREAKING: AFCON: Super Eagles Beat Algeria 2-0, To Play Morocco In Semi-Final

Nigeria has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Super Eagles pulled off a stunning display to beat Algeria 2-0 in their quarter-final clash on Saturday evening, to book their spot.

Eric Chelle’s men dominated the Desert Foxes for most of the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.

The closest Nigeria came to opening the scoring, came when Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the line.

But in the second half, Victor Osimhen headed in Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, before setting up Akor Adams for the second goal.

The three-time African champions will now clash with the hosts Morocco for a place in the final.

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Davido Electrifies AFCON 2025 Kick-Off Concert In Rabat (Video)

At the free OLM Souissi Fan Zone, Afrobeats superstar Davido took the spotlight, performing alongside French Montana, Douaa Lahyaoui, and Lartiste, delivering an electrifying fusion of music and football excitement in anticipation of AFCON Morocco 2025.

Fans sang along to hits like ‘Fall,’ ‘With You,’ and ‘Unavailable,’ creating an energetic atmosphere that set the tone for the tournament running through January.

Davido’s performance continues his tradition of thrilling shows at major football events, with fans eagerly anticipating his role in the official opening ceremony.

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Super Eagles Stars Land in Morocco In Style For AFCON 2025 (Photos)

Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, arrived at their base in Fez on Tuesday ahead of the kick-off of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, where they will be chasing a long-awaited fourth title.

Dapper in their  green traditional kaftans with flowered embroidery  with  matching caps, the coach Eric Sekou Chelle-led side left  Cairo  yesterday  about mid-day  in a chartered   flight  and  made their way  into Fez  in the evening.

Their late arrival forced   the cancellation of  their proposed  first training in Fez yesterday  but  they are expected  to begin their preparation  today in Fez which is  regarded  as one of Morocco’s most fascinating imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The  Super Eagles had earlier  spent five days in Cairo for the first phase of their preparation  and  only on Tuesday lost 2-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in their only  pre-AFCON friendly match.

The three-time African champions are drawn in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

The Super Eagles will face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their opening fixture next week Tuesday, before taking on Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27, and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.

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Morocco Crush Argentina to Win U-20 World Cup (Video)

Morocco has made history by winning the under-20 World Cup.
The African country became the first Arab nation to win the torunament by beating Argentina 2-0 in the final in Santiago on Sunday.
Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a free kick and doubled Morocco’s lead 17 minutes later from a close-range shot.
Argentina, who hold the record with six titles, lost a final for the second time after their defeat by Brazil in 1983.

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