Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title after stunning host nation Morocco 1–0 in extra time in a dramatic and chaotic final on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of extra time, when Pape Gueye struck a sublime winner to silence the home crowd and hand the Lions of Teranga their second continental crown in three editions.
Penalty Drama and Disorder
The match was marred by controversy and unsavoury scenes late in regulation time after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty deep into stoppage time following a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Díaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and fans, while Díaz and the Moroccan bench argued over the lengthy VAR delay, which lasted nearly 20 minutes.
When Díaz eventually stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th minute of added time, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy comfortably saved the Real Madrid winger’s weak chip attempt, triggering wild celebrations among Senegal supporters.
Tempers flared as some Senegal fans attempted to invade the pitch, throwing chairs and objects before being restrained by stewards and police.
Disallowed Goal Adds to Tension
Senegal had earlier felt aggrieved after a goal was disallowed in stoppage time when Ismaila Sarr tapped in a rebound following a corner, only for the referee to penalise a foul in the buildup.
After surviving the late penalty scare, a galvanised Senegal side carried their momentum into extra time.
Gueye the Hero
The breakthrough arrived when Sadio Mané won possession in midfield and fed Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner past Yassine Bounou.
Morocco were left devastated, with Díaz substituted shortly afterwards.
The hosts came close to forcing penalties when Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar in the second period of extra time, but Senegal held firm. Chérif Ndiaye missed a chance to seal the win late on, but it mattered little as Senegal saw out the game.
Historic Triumph
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their maiden triumph in 2022 when they defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaoundé. Remarkably, Pape Gueye’s strike was Senegal’s first-ever goal scored in an AFCON final, having failed to find the net in their previous three final appearances.
For Morocco, it was a cruel end to a campaign that promised a historic home triumph and a chance to end a 50-year wait for a second continental title. Many fans had already left the stadium by the final whistle on a cold, wet night in Rabat.
Senegal now turn their attention to the World Cup in the United States this June, with uncertainty surrounding the future of captain Sadio Mané, who has hinted that this final may have been his last AFCON appearance.
An investigation is expected into the disorder during the match, focusing on crowd conduct and stadium security arrangements.
