By Sports Correspondent
RABAT, Morocco – Senegal stunned hosts Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory in a match overshadowed by chaos, including the eventual champions walking off the pitch in protest over a late controversial penalty.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz had a chance to snatch the trophy in the 24th minute of added time after the initial 90, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak Panenka attempt, leaving the home fans in disbelief.
The delay and the tense atmosphere clearly unsettled Diaz, who had stepped up after a VAR-reviewed penalty was awarded for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
“We gave everything. We didn’t cheat.
“It was a really difficult match, but we were determined to win here.
“Senegal are champions of Africa, and we are so happy,” match-winner Gueye told French broadcaster M6.
The penalty decision sparked fury from both sides. Diaz, his teammates, and the Moroccan bench demanded the referee review the VAR footage, while Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
Some Senegal supporters threw chairs and attempted to enter the field but were contained by stewards and police.
The tension flipped to jubilation when Mendy’s save preserved Senegal’s chance to claim victory.
Earlier, Senegal had seen a goal from Ismaila Sarr disallowed for a foul in stoppage time, adding to the drama.
Yet just minutes into extra time, Senegal struck.
Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye.
The Villarreal midfielder held off Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi before placing a sublime strike into the top corner past Yassine Bounou, silencing the 66,526-strong crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco had a final chance to force penalties when Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar, but Senegal held firm to secure their second AFCON title in three editions.
They previously defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaoundé in 2022 to claim their first-ever trophy.
Senegal now look ahead to the World Cup, while Sadio Mane hinted that the final might mark his last AFCON appearance.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said: “Congratulations to Senegal, but the image we gave of African football is disappointing, with everything that happened when the penalty was given.”
Investigations into the chaotic scenes will focus on Senegal’s players and fans, as well as possible organizational lapses by Moroccan authorities.
The tense final, low on clear-cut chances, highlighted the defensive strength of Africa’s top teams.
Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou in the first half, and Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi missed from a Bilal El Khannouss cross just before the hour mark.
In the end, the late drama defined the match, with Gueye scoring Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final after three previous failed attempts in deciding games.
The result ended Morocco’s campaign painfully, with many fans leaving the stadium on a cold, wet night in Rabat.
