Senegal secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over host Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, claiming their second continental title in four years. The match was marred by controversy, with Senegal’s players walking off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the 94th minute with a stunning left-footed strike, after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a Panenka-style penalty in the final minute of stoppage time. Edouard Mendy made a crucial save to deny Diaz, sending the game into extra time.
The drama began when Senegal had a goal disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, prompting Morocco to be awarded a penalty. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the field, but they returned 14 minutes later after Sadio Mane intervened. The tension continued, with fights breaking out in the stands and among players.
Senegal’s triumph was marked by celebrations back home, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declaring Monday a national holiday. Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticized Thiaw’s decision to walk off, saying it “didn’t honor Africa”
credit: AI