By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title after a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, as Pape Gueye’s stunning strike sealed a tense final overshadowed by controversy and crowd unrest.
The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of extra time when Gueye struck from the edge of the area, silencing the partisan crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and breaking Moroccan hearts after a night of high drama.
Morocco had a golden chance to win the trophy deep into stoppage time of normal play when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. However, Diaz squandered the opportunity, seeing his poorly executed chipped effort easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after a prolonged delay of nearly 20 minutes amid protests and confusion.
The decision to award the penalty sparked chaotic scenes. Senegal players initially walked off the pitch in protest, while some supporters attempted to breach security, throwing objects before being restrained by police and stewards. Relief quickly turned to jubilation among the Senegalese contingent when Mendy denied Diaz.
Senegal had earlier felt hard done by after a late goal was disallowed in stoppage time, when Ismaila Sarr headed in a rebound following a corner, only for the referee to rule out the effort for a foul.
Galvanised by surviving the penalty scare, the Senegal struck soon after extra time began. Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and fed Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder held off Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a superb strike into the top corner beyond Yassine Bounou.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar late in extra time, but it was not to be for the hosts, who had hoped to end a 50-year wait for a second continental crown on home soil.
Senegal could have made the scoreline more comfortable when Cherif Ndiaye missed a clear chance late on, but Aliou Cissé’s side held firm to secure another historic triumph.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions, following their maiden success in 2022 when they defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaoundé. Remarkably, Gueye’s strike was the first goal Senegal have ever scored in an AFCON final, having failed to find the net in their previous three appearances at this stage.
The Lions of Teranga now turn their attention to the World Cup in the United States later this year, though uncertainty surrounds the international future of Sadio Mane, who has indicated the final may have been his last AFCON appearance.
An investigation is expected into the disorder that marred the final, focusing on crowd control, officiating decisions, and security arrangements in what was otherwise a tightly contested, low-scoring finale between two of Africa’s strongest defensive sides.
For Morocco, it was a cruel and agonising end to a promising campaign, with many supporters leaving the stadium before the final whistle on a cold, rain-soaked night in Rabat.
