Senegal overcame a late-game controversy to defeat hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time and claim the Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, after briefly walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision that ultimately went unconverted.
Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute strike sealed the Lions of Teranga’s second championship in three editions, stunning a capacity crowd of 66,526 at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on a chilly, rainy evening.ef302a
The match descended into chaos in the dying moments of regular time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, following a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty for a tug on Brahim Diaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner.
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field, prompting a 14-minute delay filled with jostling between officials and teams. Star forward Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return, but Diaz’s attempted Panenka chip floated harmlessly into goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s grasp.2919f8
The incident overshadowed an otherwise tightly contested final between Africa’s top-ranked sides, with few clear chances in normal play. Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was thwarted by Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou in the first half, while Ayoub El Kaabi missed wide for the hosts around the hour mark.
A potential Senegal goal in added timeâIsmaila Sarr’s rebound nod-in after Abdoulaye Seck’s header hit the postâwas ruled out for a foul, further fueling tensions.
In extra time, Mane intercepted in midfield and set up Idrissa Gana Gueye, who fed Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder evaded Achraf Hakimi before curling a fine shot into the top corner.
Morocco nearly equalized when Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar, and Senegal’s Cherif Ndiaye spurned a late opportunity to double the lead.
“We really wanted to win here,” said Gueye, the match-winner. “It was a very difficult match, but we gave everything.”8e5eb5
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed regret for his nation’s fans: “We are really disappointed for the Moroccan people. When you get a penalty in the last minute, you can see victory very close, but in the end, football catches up with you.”4c6da3
He added: “We congratulate Senegal, even if what we showed of African football was disappointing, given everything that happened when the penalty was awarded.”56c10f
The victory builds on Senegal’s maiden triumph in 2022 via penalties against Egypt, as they now eye the World Cup in the United States this June. Mane, who may have played his final AFCON, could be tempted to continue.
For Morocco, the defeat prolongs a 50-year drought since their sole title in 1976, despite high hopes as hosts. Many supporters exited early, disheartened.
The Confederation of African Football may probe the walk-off, scrutinizing Senegal’s conduct and tournament organization amid a successful but tense event.57bbda
