Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time after a dramatic, chaotic final in Rabat, sealed by Pape Gueye’s thunderous extra-time strike against hosts Morocco.
The final was heading for penalties after a tense, largely cagey 90 minutes, but controversy exploded deep into stoppage time. Following a VAR review, Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute of injury time, sparking furious protests, touchline clashes and crowd unrest that forced Senegal players to briefly walk off the pitch.
After a long delay, Brahim Díaz stepped up with the chance to end Morocco’s 50-year wait for an Afcon title. Under immense pressure, he attempted a Panenka, but Edouard Mendy stood firm and collected easily, crushing the hosts’ hopes.
Four minutes into extra time, Senegal delivered the decisive blow. Midfielder Pape Gueye surged forward from midfield, shrugged off a challenge and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that clipped the underside of the bar on its way in—one of the goals of the tournament.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, coming closest when Nayef Aguerd’s header rattled the crossbar, but Senegal held on despite heavy pressure and hostile scenes, with security in riot gear separating players from fans as rain poured down.
For Senegal, it was a triumphant defence of the crown they first won in 2021, and a fitting chapter for captain Sadio Mané, who has hinted this could be his final Afcon appearance. Lifted onto teammates’ shoulders with the trophy in hand, Mané symbolised a side that once again found a way to win amid adversity.
For Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked team and hosts tipped for glory, the defeat was heartbreaking—another reminder that destiny in football is never guaranteed. Senegal, though, will not care. In a final remembered as much for its chaos as its quality, they emerged champions once more.
