Senegal claims dramatic AFCON title after controversial final
In a rain-soaked and contentious final, Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 to win its second Africa Cup of Nations title. The match was decided in extra time by Pape Gueye’s decisive strike, following a dramatic late penalty incident that nearly caused Senegal to forfeit.
The controversy erupted in regulation time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco.
Senegal’s team briefly walked off the pitch in protest before being convinced to return.
The drama intensified as Brahim Díaz’s ensuing panenka penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later apologized for the walk-off, calling it a heat-of-the-moment reaction.
Star player Sadio Mane admitted he urged his teammates to continue playing despite their protests.
For Morocco, the loss extends a 50-year wait for the continental trophy. Coach Walid Regragui, facing immediate questions about his future, pointed to fine margins, stating, “We lost on the details.”
Senegal, which also won in 2022, has now secured two of the last three AFCON championships.
