The clash between hosts Morocco and Senegal was approaching the end of normal time with the two sides goalless, when a disallowed Senegal goal was followed by the awarding of a stoppage time Morocco penalty by referee Jean Jacques when El Hadji Malick Diouf felled Brahim Diaz. Still angry at seeing a goal for his side chalked off, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw told his team to leave the pitch.
As soaked Senegal fans celebrated winning the Africa Cup of Nations in a Moroccan rainstorm, thoughts and talk would likely have soon turned to a World Cup opener against France less than six months away. The June 16 clash against their former colonial rulers, who Senegal memorably beat in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, is in the New Jersey stadium which will host the World Cup final. While the 300,000 strong Senegalese diaspora in France should ensure some fans are backing the African champions, those who hold only Senegalese passports will not be allowed in the US.
Senegal's reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has joked about his unique role of protecting his team-mate's towel in his side's chaotic Afcon final victory on Sunday. Diouf, 26, was an unused substitute during the final in Rabat but played a key role in Senegal's second continental triumph in five years amid extraordinary circumstances. In the torrential conditions, ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy was regularly required to dry his gloves.
Nicolas Jackson 's Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra-time in the final to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night. The Bayern striker started and played until added time of the regular 90 minutes. Pape Gueye scored the only goal for the Lions of Teranga in the fourth minute of extra-time to give Senegal their second continental title after 2021's edition.
Senegal secured a 1-0 win over Egypt to secure their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The opening minutes in Tangier were scrappy, with both sides contesting the ball and dominance in the game. Early fouls from Omar Marmoush and Idrissa Gana Gueye set the tone, while Senegal looked to use the movement of Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane to stretch Egypt's defensive line.
"We are so happy to have such a great team in Senegal as our fourth opponent in the matches leading up into the tournament," Pochettino said in a U.S. Soccer release. "In the year leading up to the World Cup, we will have played at least one team from five different confederations, which is incredibly valuable for our preparations. We are looking forward to an amazing crowd in Charlotte."
