Senegal Win AFCON After Extra-Time Goal Sinks Morocco
Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after Pape Gueye’s stunning extra-time goal gave them a 1–0 win over hosts Morocco in a tense final in Rabat.
The Lions of Teranga lifted the continental trophy for the second time in three tournaments. They also became the first team in more than 40 years to beat a host nation in an AFCON final.
The final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw Africa’s two highest-ranked teams produce a match full of control swings, controversy and late drama.
The opening stages were open. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Pape Gueye early, while Ismael Saibari dragged a chance wide at the other end. Senegal looked sharper before half-time, with Iliman Ndiaye going closest when his low shot was blocked by Bounou’s leg.
After the break, Morocco grew into the game. Ayoub El Kaabi twice came close after clever deliveries from Bilal El Khannouss. A long stoppage for an injury to Neil El Aynaoui disrupted Morocco’s rhythm.
Late in normal time, controversy struck when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala blew for a foul just before Idrissa Gana Gueye headed the ball into the net for Senegal. In stoppage time, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz, but the Real Madrid winger missed, chipping straight at goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Extra time brought the decisive moment. Just minutes in, Senegal countered quickly. Pape Gueye shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and fired a powerful left-foot strike into the top corner.
Morocco pressed hard for an equaliser. Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar with a late header, and Bounou made a fine save from substitute Cherif Ndiaye. But Senegal’s defence held firm to secure a historic victory.
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé also made history, becoming the first coach to win both the CHAN and AFCON tournaments.
Man of the Match: Pape Gueye (Senegal)
