Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic and controversial final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Teranga Lions, appearing in their fourth AFCON final and first since 2021, overcame the Atlas Lions to lift the trophy in a match marred by disputed refereeing decisions, a prolonged protest, and a decisive extra-time strike from Pape Gueye.
Senegal had enjoyed a relatively smooth run to the final, playing all six of their earlier matches in Tangier, while Morocco were contesting their seventh game in Rabat. Backed by a raucous home crowd, the hosts were hoping to emulate previous host nations such as Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2023), who all won the title on home soil.
The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides testing each other. Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz forced early saves, while Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson created chances for the West Africans, only to be denied by Yassine Bounou. At the other end, Édouard Mendy stood firm against efforts from Ayoub El Kaabi and Achraf Hakimi, as Senegal’s defence, marshalled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, held its shape.
The game descended into controversy late in regulation time. Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Idrissa Gueye struck the post and Sarr headed in the rebound, but referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo of DR Congo ruled out the goal for a foul on Hakimi in the build-up. The whistle had gone before the ball crossed the line, ruling out a VAR review.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR check that judged Diouf to have fouled Diaz. In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch, with only Mané remaining on the field as play was halted for about 16 minutes.
When the match resumed, Diaz failed to convert the penalty, chipping tamely into Mendy’s arms, as the contest headed into extra time.
The deadlock was finally broken in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye finished a swift counter-attack, firing a left-footed shot into the top corner after being set up by Idrissa Gueye.
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing fresh attackers, but Senegal’s disciplined defence and Mendy’s commanding presence in goal ensured the slender lead was preserved through the remainder of extra time.
Senegal’s triumph marked their sixth win of the tournament — their highest tally in a single AFCON edition — and added a second continental title to their 2021 success. For Morocco, the defeat extended their long wait for a second AFCON crown, with the final remembered as much for its drama and controversy as for Senegal’s historic victory.
