MOROCCO: Senegal were crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic and chaotic final against host nation Morocco that will be remembered for years.
The tense showdown remained goalless from kickoff, with both teams locked in a fierce tactical battle that produced few clear chances. As the match edged toward full time, controversy erupted when the referee awarded a late penalty against Senegal, a decision that immediately created outrage from the West African side.
In protest, Senegalese players walked off the pitch and headed straight for the dressing room following instructions from their technical bench, leaving the stadium stunned. The game was temporarily halted as confusion spread across the arena.
Amid the chaos, Sadio Mané stepped in to calm the situation. Determined to avoid forfeiture and keep Senegal’s title hopes alive, Mané ran toward the dressing room and urged his teammates to return to the pitch. His intervention paid off as Senegal eventually resumed play.
Morocco were given the chance to take the lead from the spot, with Brahim Díaz stepping up to take the decisive penalty. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rose to the occasion, producing a crucial save that renewed Senegal’s belief and silenced the home crowd.
The match then pushed into stoppage time, with emotions running high on both sides. In the 94th minute, just moments after play resumed fully, Pape Gueye struck the decisive blow, firing home the only goal of the match to put Senegal ahead.
Morocco threw everything forward in the closing moments, pressing desperately for an equaliser, but Senegal’s defence held firm under intense pressure. When the final whistle blew, Senegal players collapsed in celebration, sealing a hard-fought victory on Moroccan soil.
The win handed Senegal the AFCON title after an extraordinary final marked by controversy, resilience and late drama, with Mané’s leadership and Mendy’s heroics proving pivotal on a night that will live long in African football history.
