Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco in an explosive final decided in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal after a tense and controversial night.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the final is heavily overshadowed by protests, officiating disputes, and a prolonged stoppage after Morocco are awarded a late penalty in normal time. Senegalese players and officials briefly walk off the pitch in protest, forcing a delay of more than 20 minutes before play resumes.
Despite the chaos, Morocco fail to capitalise on their biggest chance when Brahim Diaz misses the penalty at the end of regulation time, shooting straight at goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The miss shifts momentum, sending the match into extra time with emotions already running high.
Mediaplusng.com understands that the controversial penalty decision follows a lengthy VAR review after Senegal are first denied a goal and then punished at the other end, sparking anger among players and fans. The delay creates one of the most dramatic endings in AFCON history.
Gueye Delivers Title in Extra Time
Early in extra time, Senegal complete a stunning turnaround. Pape Gueye drives forward from midfield and unleashes a powerful long-range strike into the top corner, leaving Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance. The goal proves decisive and sends the Senegalese bench into wild celebrations.
Morocco push hard for an equaliser, hitting the woodwork through Nayef Aguerd and forcing late saves from Mendy as Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri apply pressure. Senegal also miss a clear chance to seal the game when Cherif Ndiaye somehow fails to score from close range with an open goal.
As the clock winds down, Morocco believe they have scored at the death, but the referee rules out the goal for a foul in the buildup, further inflaming tensions inside the stadium.
Protests and Controversy Define the Night
The defining moment of the final comes late in normal time when Morocco appeal for, and are eventually awarded, a penalty after a defensive incident in the box. The decision comes just moments after Senegal feel unfairly denied at the other end, leading to heated exchanges.
Senegal players and head coach Pape Thiaw lead their team off the pitch in protest, halting the match for over 20 minutes. Stadium officials and match organizers intervene to restore order before play finally resumes.
When the penalty is eventually taken, Diaz attempts a chipped effort, but Mendy reads it perfectly and makes the save, keeping Senegal alive and swinging belief firmly in their favour.
Tactical Battle Before the Storm
Before the late drama, the final is a tight and physical contest. Senegal create early danger from set pieces, with Pape Gueye forcing a strong save from Bounou after a corner from Sadio Mané. Iliman Ndiaye also threatens after a clever through ball, but his low shot is pushed wide.
Morocco respond with sustained possession and neat combinations, probing through Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Ismael Saibari. However, clear chances are limited, with most efforts coming from distance and failing to truly trouble Mendy.
Ayoub El Kaabi comes closest for Morocco in the first half but fails to convert from a promising position, while Senegal remain disciplined and compact defensively.
Second Half Tension Builds
The second half opens up slightly, with both teams showing more urgency. Brahim Diaz curls a shot just wide, while Senegal waste opportunities from the edge of the box. Goalkeepers at both ends stay alert as the match edges toward a tense conclusion.
With 10 minutes remaining, the atmosphere becomes electric. Morocco push numbers forward, Senegal look dangerous on the counter, and every decision from the referee is met with loud reactions from players and fans alike.
The controversial penalty incident then turns the match into a spectacle of protest, delay, and high drama rarely seen in a major final.
Senegal Claim Historic Triumph
Senegal hold firm in the final minutes of extra time to secure a famous AFCON victory, adding another continental title to their growing football legacy. It marks a second AFCON triumph within five years, confirming Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s dominant football nations.
For Morocco, the night ends in heartbreak after missed chances, disputed decisions, and near misses. Despite strong performances throughout the tournament, they fall short in one of the most chaotic finals in AFCON history.
In the end, Senegal lift the trophy, but the final will be remembered as much for controversy and emotion as for football, closing the tournament with unforgettable drama.
