Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic and controversial final in Rabat. The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, descended into chaos late in stoppage time when a VAR intervention led to a penalty being awarded to Morocco. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo pointed to the spot after El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner.
In protest, the majority of Senegal’s players, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, temporarily left the pitch, resulting in a 14-minute delay before captain Sadio Mane convinced the team to return. Diaz, facing the opportunity to secure victory for Morocco, attempted a Panenka penalty that was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
With the match tied at the end of normal time, Senegal carried their momentum into extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye scored a powerful long-range strike that beat Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, giving Senegal the lead and ultimately the championship. The goal silenced the home crowd and capped a tense finish to the tournament.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who received the tournament’s Golden Boot for being the top scorer, was substituted shortly after the penalty miss, visibly shaken by the dramatic sequence. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings over Senegal’s walk-off, condemning “the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials,” while Thiaw apologized for the incident.
Despite the late-game controversy, Senegal’s victory marked a significant achievement for the Lions of Teranga, who overcame both pressure and adversity to secure the continental title. The final will be remembered for both the thrilling finish and the unprecedented off-field disruptions that tested the limits of the sport’s governance.
