Against All Odds, Senegal Beat Morocco In Dramatic AFCON Final
About The Author
Senegal were crowned champions of Africa after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic and controversial Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday.
It was Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their triumph in Cameroon in 2021, and their third appearance in the final in the last four editions—further underlining their dominance on the continent.
The final took a dramatic turn late in regulation time when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a VAR review led to a penalty being awarded to Morocco. The decision sparked heated protests and a 14-minute delay before play resumed.
Morocco, however, failed to capitalise on the opportunity as star midfielder Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty that was comfortably caught by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal delivered the decisive moment. Midfielder Pape Gueye fired home a powerful strike in the 94th minute, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance and sending Senegalese fans into wild celebration.
The penalty incident stemmed from a decision by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who ruled that Senegal full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Díaz while defending a corner kick—an interpretation that drew strong objections from Senegal’s players and officials.
After surviving the scare, Senegal regained their composure and controlled the remainder of extra time, handing Morocco their first defeat in 27 matches and denying the hosts a second AFCON title, 50 years after their only previous triumph.
The final, played before a raucous crowd of 66,526, was a high-tempo contest, with both goalkeepers—Mendy and Bounou—producing several outstanding saves.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui admitted his disappointment but praised the champions.
“When you get a penalty in the last minute, victory feels very close,” Regragui said. “In the end, football catches up with you. We congratulate Senegal, even if what happened around the penalty was disappointing.”
Senegal’s victory confirms their status as Africa’s dominant football force, while Morocco’s long wait for a second continental crown continues.
