RABAT: Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title in dramatic and controversial fashion, beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time after a chaotic final that included a stoppage-time penalty dispute, a mass pitch invasion attempt and a walk-off protest by the Senegalese players.
Pape Gueye struck the decisive blow in the fourth minute of extra time, sweeping a left-footed finish into the top corner to seal victory for the Teranga Lions at a tense Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. By the final whistle, most of the 69,500-strong crowd had already left in despair.
The match had descended into turmoil in the dying moments of regulation time. Deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal thought they had scored when Moussa Niakhate headed in a rebound, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi. Television replays suggested minimal contact.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have pulled Brahim Diaz in the box. The decision, confirmed after a VAR check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, sparked fury among the Senegal bench.
Players from both sides clashed on the pitch, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui attempted to intervene. Tensions spilled into the stands, with a group of Senegal supporters trying to storm the field before being restrained by police. A chair was thrown onto the pitch, and fights were also reported in the press box.
In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the field. The game was halted for 14 minutes before Senegal returned.
When play resumed, Morocco’s top scorer Brahim Diaz attempted a risky Panenka penalty, only to be comfortably caught by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the last kick of normal time.
Senegal regrouped in extra time and took control. Gueye’s strike proved enough to settle a final that had threatened to spiral out of control.
“We saw what happened at the end of the match, but we decided to come back and give everything,” Gueye said.
It was Senegal’s second continental crown, following their 2021 triumph against Egypt on penalties. This was their fourth appearance in an Africa Cup final.
For Morocco, the defeat was a bitter blow. They had been chasing their first title in 50 years on home soil. Regragui admitted the missed penalty proved decisive.
“Football can be cruel. In a final, you must take your chances,” he said.