Senegal have been crowned champions of Africa for the second time, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a tense and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final that was decided by a Pape Gueye extra-time goal and a remarkable last-minute penalty miss.
The match in Rabat will be remembered for its frantic and unsavoury ending. After 90 minutes with few clear chances, the game exploded in injury time. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised the referee to check a foul in the Senegal penalty area from a corner kick. After reviewing the footage, a penalty was awarded to Morocco.
The decision sparked anger and confusion. Senegal’s players and coaching staff protested fiercely, leading to a mass confrontation on the touchline. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw even led his players down the tunnel towards the dressing room in protest, while some Senegalese fans attempted to break onto the pitch, clashing with security.
After a long delay, play resumed for Morocco’s Brahim Diaz to take the penalty. With the chance to win the tournament with virtually the last kick of normal time, Diaz attempted a delicate chip down the middle. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood still and caught the ball easily, sending the match to extra time.
Four minutes into the added period, Senegal found their winner. Midfielder Pape Gueye, one of the tournament’s best players, powered forward from midfield, pushed past a challenge from Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Morocco, the host nation and Africa’s top-ranked team, fought hard for an equalizer. Their best chance came when defender Nayef Aguerd’s powerful header struck the crossbar from a corner. Senegal also had opportunities to extend their lead, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several good saves.
The final whistle confirmed Senegal’s victory, sparking wild celebrations from their players. For many, including star forward Sadio Mane who has suggested this was his last AFCON, it was a second continental title, having also won the tournament in 2021.
For Morocco, the dream of a first AFCON title since 1976 ended in heartbreak. They become only the fourth host nation to lose in the final. The chaotic scenes at the end of normal time, followed by the missed penalty, overshadowed what they had hoped would be a crowning achievement for their football development.
Despite the difficult ending, Senegal held on for a victory, showing resilience to snatch the title from the hosts in the most dramatic of circumstances.