In one of the most dramatic and chaotic finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal claimed their second continental crown by defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a thunderous strike from Pape Gueye.
The decisive moment came four minutes into the additional period at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Gueye collected a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye, surged forward and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The goal sealed victory for the Teranga Lions and ended Morocco’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1976.
The match will be remembered not just for Gueye’s brilliance but for extraordinary scenes in the dying moments of normal time. With the game locked at 0-0 and eight minutes of stoppage time initially signalled, referee Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala consulted VAR after a corner and awarded Morocco a controversial penalty for a tug by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.
Referee at centre of late drama
The decision ignited fury among the Senegalese players and bench. Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch in protest, leading to a lengthy delay of around 17 minutes as benches emptied, players clashed and fans attempted to invade the field amid angry confrontations with security. Sadio Mane, the talismanic forward who has hinted this may be his last AFCON, was the only Senegalese player to remain on the turf initially, urging his teammates back.
Once order was restored and the teams returned, Diaz stepped up for what could have been the historic winning kick. Under immense pressure, the Real Madrid playmaker — tournament top scorer with five goals — opted for an audacious Panenka chip down the middle. But Edouard Mendy stood firm, catching the ball comfortably and preserving Senegal’s chance.
The 90 minutes had been tense and low on clear chances, a cagey affair befitting a final between two powerhouses. Morocco edged possession in the first half, but Senegal created the better opportunities, with Bounou making key saves from Pape Gueye’s header and Iliman Ndiaye. The second period saw the hosts push harder, yet both sides struggled to break through until the late drama.
In extra time, Morocco nearly equalised when Nayef Aguerd headed against the bar from a corner, but Senegal held firm under pouring rain, their defence standing tall.
This victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title after their 2021 penalty shootout win over Egypt in Cameroon, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s dominant forces in recent years. Many of the same heroes returned, including Mane, who played a pivotal role in calming the storm and was named player of the tournament.
For Morocco, the night ended in heartbreak despite a strong campaign on home soil, which had been touted as a proving ground ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup. The chaotic conclusion overshadowed an otherwise impressive tournament.
As fireworks lit the Rabat sky and Senegalese players celebrated — some separated from ecstatic fans by riot police — the Teranga Lions lifted the trophy amid jubilation. Gueye, the unassuming midfielder, emerged as the hero, his name forever etched in continental lore.
