Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title after a dramatic and contentious final against Morocco, with extra-time heroics from Pape Gueye securing victory amid a flurry of late-game controversy.
Drama and Dispute in Extra Time
The match remained goalless through regular time, but tensions erupted in the 98th minute when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw briefly led his players off the field in protest, frustrated by the decision after his own team had a goal disallowed moments earlier.
The penalty was eventually taken in the 114th minute, but Real Madrid forward Diaz’s Panenka was brilliantly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Moments before, Senegal’s Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had a goal ruled out due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.
Gueye Seals the Title
The deadlock was finally broken in the 94th minute of extra time when Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye produced a stunning solo effort to score the only goal of the game, securing Senegal’s second AFCON crown in five years. Diaz was substituted later in extra time, and Morocco’s hopes of winning their first AFCON title since 1976 were dashed.
Reactions and Fallout
The end of the match drew criticism from some football figures. Former Wimbledon striker Efan Ekoku called Senegal’s temporary walk-off “not a good look for African football,” while 2013 AFCON winner John Obi Mikel acknowledged the frustration but said leaving the pitch was not the right response.
Captain Sadio Mané emerged as a calming figure, encouraging teammates to return to the field and later appealing to Senegalese fans to stay calm amid a tense and occasionally violent atmosphere in the stands. Despite the controversy, Mané’s leadership stood out as one of the few positives from an otherwise dramatic finish.
