The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded in Rabat with a night of high drama, individual brilliance, and profound heartbreak. The final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday, January 18, 2026, delivered a storyline fit for cinema, crowning a champion while leaving another star in tears.
Diaz's Agony Seals Morocco's Fate
Morocco's standout performer throughout the tournament, Brahim Diaz, experienced the cruelest twist of fate. The forward, who had been in sensational form, had netted five goals in his first five matches and carried his nation's hopes. Deep into stoppage time, with the scoreline delicately poised, Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
This was the moment that could have sealed a historic first AFCON title for the Atlas Lions. However, Diaz's attempted Panenka chip went horribly wrong. The ball floated softly into the waiting hands of Senegal's experienced goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy in the 90+24 minute. The miss was catastrophic. Substituted off in the 98th minute, a visibly shattered Diaz could not contain his emotions, ending the match in tears on the bench.
A Bittersweet Podium for the Heartbroken Hero
The awards ceremony that followed was a poignant contrast of joy and despair. Brahim Diaz had to collect the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer, but he did so while still distraught. Videos showed him being comforted, yet seemingly inconsolable, even as FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa offered words of encouragement. His achievement was overshadowed by the penalty miss that likely cost his country the trophy.
Mane's Fairytale Ending and Morocco's Consolation
Minutes later, the spotlight shifted to the victorious Senegalese camp. Their match-winner and talisman, Sadio Mane, was deservedly announced as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. The award served as a perfect send-off, as Mane confirmed to Canal+ after the match that this was his final appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. His leadership and quality were instrumental in Senegal's triumph.
Morocco did not leave empty-handed, securing two other significant awards. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his exceptional performances, and the team also received the Fair Play award. These accolades, however, provided little solace after coming so close to the ultimate prize.
The AFCON 2025 final will be remembered for its intense emotional spectrum, from the zenith of Mane's career-capping victory to the devastating nadir of Diaz's missed penalty, forever etching the names of both stars into the competition's rich history.
