In a final that will be remembered as much for its explosive controversy as for its technical brilliance, Senegal secured their second TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Sunday night, defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time. A stunning 94th-minute strike from Pape Gueye settled the contest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, but only after the match nearly collapsed into farce during a chaotic end to regulation time.
The encounter between Africa’s two highest-ranked sides was a tactical stalemate for much of the 90 minutes. Senegal’s Teranga Lions started with greater intent, testing Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou early. Bounou was forced into two world-class saves in the first half, first parrying a goal-bound header from Pape Gueye and later denying Iliman Ndiaye in a tense one-on-one situation. Morocco, buoyed by a deafening home crowd of over 66,000, responded with pressure of their own, but Ayoub El Kaabi and Nayef Aguerd both squandered clear-cut opportunities to break the deadlock.
However, the game’s defining drama erupted in stoppage time. Senegal thought they had snatched a 92nd-minute winner through Ismaïla Sarr, but the goal was ruled out for a contentious foul in the buildup. Moments later, the stadium reached a fever pitch when the referee, following a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. Incensed by the perceived injustice, the Senegalese players staged a dramatic walk-off protest led by coach Pape Thiaw.
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After a tense 15-minute delay, the Senegalese side returned to the pitch to face the spot-kick. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Morocco’s star man Brahim Díaz attempted an audacious "Panenka" chip, but the effort lacked power. Senegal’s veteran keeper Edouard Mendy remained rooted to the spot, calmly catching the ball to force the game into extra time.
Galvanized by the penalty save, Senegal struck the decisive blow just four minutes into the extra period.
A swift counter-attack saw Sadio Mané find Idrissa Gana Gueye, who fed Pape Gueye on the edge of the area. Showing immense composure, the midfielder lashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Bounou with no chance.
Despite a desperate late onslaught from the Atlas Lions including a Nayef Aguerd header that rattled the crossbar,Senegal’s defense remained impenetrable. The final whistle triggered jubilant celebrations among the Senegalese contingent, as they reclaimed the throne they first occupied in 2021. For Morocco, the 50-year wait for a second continental title continues, while Senegal once again proves its status as a dominant force in African football.
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