By SENEGAL defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time on Sunday to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title, in a dramatic final overshadowed by controversy and crowd unrest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Pape Gueye’s superb strike early in extra time proved decisive, sealing victory for the West Africans in a tense contest that was marred by ugly scenes following a disputed late penalty decision.
Morocco had a golden opportunity to snatch the trophy in the closing moments of normal time after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. The decision, given deep into added time, sparked lengthy protests from both teams and led to a delay of nearly 20 minutes.
When play eventually resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the spot-kick but his weak chipped effort was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, much to the relief of the defending champions. The miss followed intense pressure and prolonged disruption, which appeared to unsettle the Real Madrid winger.
The penalty award had earlier enraged Senegal players and supporters, particularly after a goal they scored in stoppage time was ruled out for a foul. Tempers flared as some Senegal fans attempted to invade the pitch, throwing objects before being restrained by police and stewards.
Following Diaz’s miss, momentum swung firmly in Senegal’s favour. Just four minutes into extra time, Sadio Mané won possession in midfield and combined with Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder powered forward, held off Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser and nearly forced a penalty shoot-out when Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar in the second period of extra time. However, Senegal held firm, despite missing a late chance to double their lead through Chérif Ndiaye.
The defeat was a bitter blow for Morocco, who had hoped to lift the trophy on home soil and end a 50-year wait for their second continental title. Many home supporters began leaving the stadium before the final whistle on a cold, wet night in Rabat.
For Senegal, the triumph marks their second AFCON crown in three editions, following their maiden success against Egypt in 2022. They now look ahead to the World Cup in the United States, while uncertainty remains over the international future of captain Sadio Mané, who has suggested the final may have been his last AFCON appearance.
An investigation is expected into the disturbances that followed the controversial penalty decision, with attention likely to focus on crowd control and match organisation, as well as the conduct of players and supporters.
Despite the drama, the final itself was a cagey affair, reflecting the defensive strength of two of Africa’s highest-ranked sides. Yet, when it mattered most, Senegal found a way through, with Pape Gueye’s strike etching his name into AFCON history and delivering glory to the Lions of Teranga.
