President Paul Kagame was among thousands who watched Senegal win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final on Sunday, January 18.

The decisive goal came from Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye early in extra time, sealing what was the second AFCON title for the Teranga Lions.

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The match was marred by chaos which followed referee Jean-Jacques Ndala’s controversial decision to award a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time after video assistant referee (VAR) review on defender El Hadji Malick Diouf&039;s challenge on Brahim Diaz.

A visibly frustrated Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, told his players to leave the pitch in protest of the decision, minutes before Sadio Mane, who stayed on the pitch, encouraged his teammates to come back and ‘play like men.’

Brahim, the tournament top scorer, went on to miss the penalty when he tried a panenka which Edouard Mendy comfortably saved. Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for the Teranga Lions.

In a message and photos shared on his social media platforms, Kagame was seen following the match and engaging in discussions with senior football officials, including Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

He attended the final alongside Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, and President of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Fabrice Ngoga Shema.

The AFCON final brought together football leaders, political figures, and enthusiasts from across the continent, highlighting the importance of the tournament as a major sporting and diplomatic event.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania FAs presidents were also among attendees at the final in Rabat as the three countries are set to co-host the AFCON 2027.

Kagame’s presence at the match comes as Rwanda prepares to host the FIFA Series, an international initiative that will give national teams competitive fixtures outside traditional windows, as well as further elevate Rwanda’s profile as a destination for major sporting events.