The curtain came down on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night with Senegal emerging as champions after a tense and dramatic final against host nation Morocco.
The showpiece match ended 1-0 in favour of the Teranga Lions after 120 minutes of action, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in the first half of extra time. The final was fiercely contested, producing moments of high tension and controversy, particularly late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. However, Brahim Diaz’s attempted panenka was calmly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, allowing the West Africans to survive and eventually claim the title.
With the tournament officially concluded, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also confirmed the recipients of the various individual and team awards, recognising players and teams who stood out during the month-long competition in Morocco.
Despite losing the final, the Atlas Lions were acknowledged for their discipline and sportsmanship, earning the Fair Play Award after an impressive campaign on home soil.
Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament following a series of commanding performances that played a key role in guiding his team to the final. His consistency, shot-stopping ability, and leadership at the back earned widespread praise throughout the competition.
Brahim Diaz, who endured a difficult night in the final, still finished the tournament as the leading scorer. The Moroccan forward claimed the Golden Boot after scoring five goals, making him the most prolific attacker at AFCON 2025.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane was crowned Player of the Tournament, an honour that reflected his influence, leadership, and match-winning contributions across the competition. Mane played a crucial role in guiding Senegal through difficult moments, inspiring his teammates as they successfully defended their status as one of Africa’s top footballing nations.
Below is the full list of the award winners from AFCON 2025:
Fair Play Team of the Tournament: Morocco
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Yassine Bounou
Top Goal Scorer (Golden Boot): Brahim Diaz – five goals
Player of the Tournament: Sadio Mane
The awards rounded off a memorable Africa Cup of Nations, marked by high-quality football, passionate support, and unforgettable moments, with Senegal once again writing their name into African football history.
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