Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions following a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco in a chaotic final played in Rabat.
The decisive moment came in extra time when Pape Gueye produced a thunderous strike into the top corner, sealing a historic triumph for the West Africans in a contest that delivered drama, controversy and high emotion in equal measure.
The final, however, will be remembered as much for its unsavoury scenes as for its quality. Tensions boiled over during second-half stoppage time after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR review. Brahim Díaz was adjudged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, a decision that sparked furious protests from the Senegalese players and bench.
The spot kick was ultimately saved, sending the Senegal camp into celebration and plunging the stadium into further turmoil as heated exchanges broke out among players and officials.
Despite the chaos, Senegal maintained their composure in extra time and were rewarded with Gueye’s sublime finish, which proved decisive in a final that had everything—intensity, controversy and late drama.
When the final whistle blew, Senegal celebrated a hard-fought victory that secured continental glory, while Morocco were left to rue missed opportunities in a night that will linger long in AFCON history.
