Breaking: Senegal Claim Dramatic AFCON Crown in Chaotic Final Against Hosts Morocco
In one of the most extraordinary and controversy-laden finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift their second continental title, courtesy of a stunning strike from Pape Gueye.
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium had already been a tense, tightly fought affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock through 90 minutes.
Morocco dominated possession at times, while Senegal threatened on the counter, with Edouard Mendy and Yassine Bounou (Bono) producing heroic saves to keep the scoreline level.
The drama exploded in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Senegal thought they had snatched victory when a goal was scored, only for it to be controversially disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
Moments later, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty for a perceived foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz in the area, a decision widely viewed as soft and contentious, especially given the home advantage.
Furious at the call, compounded by the earlier disallowed goal, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest.
The squad headed toward the tunnel amid chaotic scenes, with captain Sadio Mane initially attempting to rally his teammates back onto the field.
Play was halted for several minutes as officials negotiated, fans reacted with tension in the stands, and the final teetered on the brink of unprecedented farce.
Eventually, the Lions of Teranga returned, and Diaz stepped up for the penalty. Opting for a cheeky Panenka chip down the middle, his tame effort was comfortably gathered by Mendy, who stood firm and preserved the 0-0 scoreline, sending the match into extra time.
The momentum shift proved decisive. Early in the first period of extra time, Pape Gueye collected a pass on the edge of the box, weaved past defenders, and unleashed a magnificent left-footed rocket into the top right corner—giving Bono no chance and putting Senegal 1-0 ahead.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equalizer, hitting the crossbar through Nayef Aguerd and forcing several saves from Mendy, but Senegal’s defense held firm.
Late chances, including a close-range miss by Cherif Ndiaye, came and went as the hosts grew increasingly frantic.
