Gueye’s extra-time goal proved decisive as Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a hard-fought victory over Morocco in a chaotic final marred by dramatic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The West Africans appeared to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat after a lengthy delay in injury time, which saw Senegal players walk off the pitch in protest following a controversial penalty award to Morocco. Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz ultimately missed the spot-kick in embarrassing fashion, allowing Senegal to hold on and force extra time.
The match, the first-ever AFCON finals encounter between the two sides, was largely a tense affair with few clear chances in normal time. Senegal, the defending champions from 2021, faced a fired-up host nation eager to end a 50-year drought since their last continental triumph in 1976.
Morocco dominated possession in the first half, but it was Senegal who created the better opportunities. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, named African Goalkeeper of the Year, made crucial saves to deny Pape Gueye’s header from a corner and Iliman Ndiaye’s effort with a trailing leg.
The second half saw Morocco pin back their opponents, but they struggled to convert pressure into goals. The drama escalated in stoppage time when Senegal thought they had scored through Ismaila Sarr’s header off the bar from Abdoulaye Seck, only for referee Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala to disallow it for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi.
Moments later, VAR intervened to award Morocco a penalty for a tug by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz during a corner. This sparked outrage from the Senegalese bench, leading to confrontations on the touchline. Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the field, while fans clashed with security, some attempting to invade the pitch with metal chairs.
After a prolonged delay, the teams returned, and Diaz stepped up for what could have been the winning kick to end Morocco’s long wait for glory. However, his attempted Panenka chip down the middle was easily collected by Edouard Mendy, who stood his ground.
In extra time, Gueye broke the deadlock four minutes in, firing Senegal ahead. Morocco pushed for an equalizer, with Nayef Aguerd hitting the bar from a corner header, but they couldn’t find a way through as heavy rain poured down in Rabat.
The unsavoury incidents at the end overshadowed the game, casting a shadow over African football, especially as Morocco positions this tournament as a test for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal’s celebrations were jubilant yet subdued, with players separated from fans by riot police. Many of the squad, including talisman Sadio Mane—who hinted this could be his final AFCON—returned from the 2021 penalty shootout win over Egypt.
For Morocco, the defeat was heartbreaking, washing away dreams of a home triumph in dramatic fashion. Senegal, the Teranga Lions, now hold back-to-back titles, cementing their status as Africa’s powerhouse.