In one of the most tumultuous and dramatic finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time to be crowned champions for the second time.
The clash between Africa's two highest-ranked sides lived up to its billing at a raucous Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Despite the defensive pedigree of both teams, the match began at a fierce pace, with Morocco's Yassine Bounou tipping a Pape Gueye header wide before Ismael Saibari missed a key chance for the Atlas Lions.
The game's pivotal moment arrived late in normal time. A lengthy VAR review led to a hotly contested penalty for Morocco, sparking furious protests from Senegal that caused a lengthy delay. Both sides briefly left the pitch before order was restored. When play finally resumed, Morocco’s Brahim DÃaz saw his audacious Panenka penalty calmly saved by Edouard Mendy, extinguishing the roar of the home crowd.
With tensions still simmering, the match stretched into extra time. It was there that Pape Gueye, who had threatened earlier, unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the 94th minute to send the traveling Senegalese support into delirium.
Morocco threw everything forward in response, rattling the crossbar and forcing Mendy into vital saves, but Senegal's defense stood resolute. The final whistle, blown after a marathon of stoppages and disruptions, confirmed Senegal’s triumph over both their rivals and the intense pressure of a hostile environment.
The victory sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title, a hard-fought crown won amidst controversy and chaos in the Moroccan capital.