Senegal's Pape Gueye Reflects on Career-Best AFCON Goal

Pape Gueye will never forget the moment his shot hit the back of the net in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The Villarreal midfielder scored the winning goal that gave Senegal victory over Morocco, and the emotion was instant.

"Right now, it's the best goal of my career, because of the importance of the match," Gueye told Spanish radio COPE. "After I scored, many things came to my mind. It felt like a childhood dream. I cried with joy."

The final was anything but calm. Moroccan players tried to remove a towel Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy had placed near his goal, sparking a brief confrontation that had fans worldwide holding their breath.

Gueye addressed the incident with measured perspective. "I saw the clips after the match. I don't know why they did that. During the game, many things happened, including the towel incident and the refereeing."

The drama continued until the final whistle. When Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed a late penalty that could have changed everything, Senegalese players remained stone-faced on the pitch.

Their reaction surprised many viewers, but Gueye explained the strategy behind the discipline. "We had to keep our concentration," he said. For the team, staying focused mattered more than celebrating before the match truly ended.

Why This Inspires

Online rumors claimed Senegal used black magic during the tournament. Gueye dismissed the noise outright and redirected attention to real achievement.

"No, none of that is true," he said firmly. "After the match, the most important thing for us was the win we achieved, giving Senegal its second star."

His response shows the maturity that defines champions. Instead of engaging with baseless speculation, Gueye celebrated concrete success: a nation's triumph, a team's dedication, and the fulfillment of dreams shared by millions of Senegalese fans.

The midfielder's tears after scoring weren't just about personal glory. They represented every kid in Senegal who ever kicked a ball and imagined wearing the national jersey in a championship final.

Senegal now has its second AFCON title, and Pape Gueye has a memory that will last forever.