Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title with a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a final marred by controversy in Rabat. The Lions of Teranga controlled the early proceedings through disciplined pressing and fluid attacks, twice forcing outstanding saves from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. While Senegal dominated, the hosts, buoyed by fervent home support, failed to muster a single shot on target throughout the entire first half.
The second half saw Senegal continue to dictate the tempo, though Morocco adopted a more direct approach as the match wore on. Tension escalated dramatically in the dying moments of regulation time when Senegal had an Ismaïla Sarr goal controversially disallowed for an alleged foul. Chaos then erupted in the 94th minute when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenged corner, a decision that sparked immediate and furious protests from the Senegalese bench.
Outraged by the penalty call, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to temporarily walk off the pitch in an extraordinary protest. Following a lengthy delay, Moroccan captain Brahim Díaz saw his spot-kick saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time. There, a deflected strike from Senegal’s Lamine Camara proved decisive, sealing a historic and emotionally charged victory amid a backdrop of profound controversy.
Following more than 20 minutes of delays and confusion, Senegal captain Sadio Mané intervened, persuading his teammates to return and resume the match. When play restarted, Edouard Mendy produced a crucial moment, comfortably saving Díaz’s attempted panenka penalty to keep Senegal alive.
The match progressed into extra time, where Senegal appeared calmer and more composed. Their persistence paid off four minutes into the first period when Pape Gueye surged past Achraf Hakimi and fired a stunning left-footed strike beyond Bounou to give Senegal the decisive lead.
Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Senegal’s defence held firm to see out the contest and seal a historic triumph.
Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament, while Morocco’s Brahim Díaz claimed the Golden Boot after scoring five goals. Yassine Bounou received the Golden Glove, and Morocco were awarded the Fair Play Award at the conclusion of a dramatic AFCON final night.
Despite controversy, delays and intense pressure from the hosts, Senegal showed resilience, discipline and composure to emerge victorious. Pape Gueye’s moment of brilliance ensured the Teranga Lions added a second Africa Cup of Nations title to their growing legacy.
