AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal Stun Hosts Morocco to Clinch Second Continental Crown
Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time on Sunday night after edging host nation Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic and controversy-laden Africa Cup of Nations final decided after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Global Mirror News reports.
In a pulsating encounter that will be remembered as much for its officiating disputes as for its footballing quality, the Teranga Lions held their nerve to deny the Atlas Lions a fairytale home triumph, thanks to a decisive extra-time strike by midfielder Pape Gueye.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, adding to their maiden success in 2021, and caps an impressive tournament run in which they recorded six wins— their highest tally in a single edition of the competition.
Tense Final, Heated Atmosphere
Both sides approached the final cautiously, aware of the magnitude of the occasion. Senegal, appearing in their fourth AFCON final, settled quickly despite a hostile Moroccan crowd, while the hosts—playing their seventh match in Rabat—sought inspiration from home support as they chased a first title since 1976.
Early exchanges saw Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz test the goalkeepers, with set-pieces and midfield battles dominating the opening stages. Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson threatened for Senegal, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remained alert, just as Édouard Mendy stood firm at the other end.
Morocco’s attacking duo of Ayoub El Kaabi and Achraf Hakimi probed persistently, but Senegal’s disciplined defence, marshalled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, kept the hosts at bay.
Controversy Erupts Late On
The match boiled over deep into second-half stoppage time when Senegal appeared to have scored a dramatic winner. Idrissa Gueye’s effort struck the post before Ismaïla Sarr bundled home the rebound, only for DR Congo referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo to rule out the goal for an alleged foul on Hakimi in the build-up. The whistle had already gone before the ball crossed the line, denying Senegal any chance of a VAR review.
Moments later, VAR intervened again—this time in Morocco’s favour—awarding the hosts a penalty after El Hadji Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz. In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch, leading to a 16-minute delay before play resumed.
When calm was restored, Diaz squandered the golden opportunity, chipping a weak penalty straight into the arms of Mendy, a miss that proved pivotal.
Gueye Delivers the Decisive Blow
Senegal capitalised on that lifeline early in extra time. Just four minutes into the first period, Pape Gueye latched onto a swift counter-attack, took a pass from Idrissa Gueye, and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike into the top corner to break the deadlock.
Morocco responded with urgency, introducing fresh attackers including Ilias Akhomach and Hamza Igamane, but Senegal’s resilience and Mendy’s commanding presence ensured their slender lead remained intact.
Both teams traded chances in the closing stages, with Bounou producing several fine saves to keep Morocco in contention, while Senegal’s defenders blocked a series of desperate attempts from El Khannouss, El Aynaoui and En-Nesyri.
Champions Amid Chaos
At the final whistle, Senegal celebrated a hard-earned and historic triumph in what ranks among the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent memory. For Morocco, the pain of defeat was compounded by the missed penalty and the controversies that overshadowed their home campaign.
Nevertheless, Global Mirror News notes that the Atlas Lions’ run to the final reinforces their status as one of Africa’s strongest sides, offering optimism ahead of future tournaments.
