It is no longer news that Senegal has replaced Ivory Coast as the new African Champions after winning the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Softfootball followed all the all the intrigues, dramas, chaos and moments of joy throughout the tournament and delivered a perfect coverage for the final when Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 courtesy of a rocket in the first half of extra time by Pape Gueye to win it all.
Al Nassr forward, Saido Mane at 33 played his final AFCON game and was duly honoured by team captains’ Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly, who missed the final due to suspension, agreed that the former Liverpool star lifts the trophy in an unbelievable show of respect and loyalty. He did and the rest of the team avoided touching the trophy while he held it high into the skies in wild celebrations.
Watch the beautiful moment happen as shared on CAF’s official X handle. They posted:
All theirs. Senegal lift it high. 🇸🇳🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/E8WzbAx0lh
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026Senegal's golden moment. 🇸🇳🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/nMfVAWzc8m
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026The game itself was everything neutral fans could even wish for and in a typical battle of warriors, both sides bleed and sweat. Morocco, playing in front of their home fans were looking to win the tournament for the first time in over 50 years while Senegal seek a second win.
Although, the Terenga Lions won by 1-0, they are yet to score a goal within 90 minutes in three finals of the AFCON. Check out the highlights as posted by CAF via their official X handle. Watch video below.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇳 1–0 🇲🇦
Pape Gueye does it for Senegal. The #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 champions. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GCGC1ULEFf
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 19, 2026Pape Gueye deservedly won the Man-of-the-Match while Sadio Mane was named Player of the tournament. Real Madrid forward, Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s topscorer with five goals while Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen had four goals.
Moroccan Yassine Bounou was voted as the best goalkeeper of the competition while the host nation won the Fair Play Team of AFCON. There was no award for the young player of the tournament or best goal.
Moroccan players were dejected on the pitch but inside the tunnel congratulated the Senegal players and Kalidou Koulibaly was seen exchanging jerseys with defender Aguerd. Here is the video as posted on CAF’s official X handle. Watch below.
Koulibaly x Aguerd. That's football. 🫂❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeAreDifferent pic.twitter.com/MZmHDoWeEj
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 19, 2026Music icon and businessman, Akon was not left out in the celebrations as he was seen in the dressing room celebrating with Sadio Mand and the players and another famous face in El Hadji Diouf, now a legend for Senegal. CAF shared the videos via their official X handle.
Akon gives Sadio Mané a hero’s welcome. 🇸🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/oYdY1lRYaq
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 19, 2026Home is everything. Akon & El Hadji Diouf. 🇸🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/oJwS1RiOYV
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 19, 2026Senegal has now won two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while Morocco has just one title.The next edition of the tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
