Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in their history with a 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a final marred by extraordinary scenes. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the 108th minute after a chaotic period in which Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a controversial penalty decision.
The drama began deep into stoppage time at the end of normal play. With the score at 0-0, the video assistant referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. Senegal’s players, incensed by the decision, left the field on the instruction of manager Pape Thiaw. After a delay of more than 20 minutes, they returned, and Diaz’s weak Panenka was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
In extra time, Gueye struck to seal victory for Senegal, who became the first team since 2013 to win the tournament without needing a penalty shootout. Morocco, appearing in their first final since 1976, were left heartbroken as Nayif Aguerd hit the crossbar late on.
The victory adds to Senegal’s 2021 title and cements their status as one of Africa’s strongest sides. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, suspended for the final, handed the trophy to Sadio Mane, who lifted it in triumph. The chaotic finale will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary in the competition’s history.
