Senegal produced a dramatic upset to defeat hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, with Pape Gueye’s decisive strike sealing victory in a tense match overshadowed by controversy and crowd unrest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The final appeared destined for penalties until a late flashpoint deep into stoppage time. Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute of added time after a VAR review judged Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf to have fouled Brahim Díaz in the box. The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and bench, while a lengthy delay of almost 20 minutes followed amid heated exchanges.
When play eventually resumed, Díaz had the chance to win the trophy for the hosts, but the Real Madrid winger attempted a delicate chip that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The miss further inflamed tensions, with some Senegal supporters throwing objects and attempting to breach the perimeter before security forces restored order.
Senegal had earlier felt aggrieved when a goal was disallowed in stoppage time, after Abdoulaye Seck headed against the post from a corner and Ismaila Sarr converted the rebound, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul in the build-up.
After surviving the late penalty scare, Senegal regrouped and struck decisively in the fourth minute of extra time. Sadio Mané won possession in midfield and released Idrissa Gana Gueye, who threaded a pass to Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder shrugged off the challenge of Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a superb shot past Yassine Bounou into the top corner to silence the home crowd of 66,526.
Morocco were visibly shaken by the setback, with Díaz substituted shortly after his penalty miss. The hosts pushed for an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar in the second period of extra time, but Senegal held firm to protect their narrow lead.
Cherif Ndiaye missed a late opportunity to make it 2–0, but it proved inconsequential as the Lions of Teranga saw out the contest to claim their second AFCON title in three editions, following their maiden triumph in 2022.
The defeat was a crushing blow for Morocco, who had hoped to end a 50-year wait for continental glory in front of their home supporters. Many fans began to leave the stadium before the final whistle on a cold, wet night in Rabat.
The match itself was low on clear chances, reflecting the defensive strength of both sides. Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou when through on goal in the first half, while Morocco wasted a golden opportunity just before the hour mark when Ayoub El Kaabi failed to convert from close range.
Attention is now expected to turn to the post-match incidents, with potential investigations likely to examine the conduct of players, supporters and event organisers following the disorder that marred the final.
For Senegal, the victory reinforces their status as one of Africa’s dominant forces and caps a resilient campaign, while Morocco are left to reflect on a heartbreaking end to a tournament filled with promise but concluded in disappointment.
