Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after a turbulent and emotionally charged final, defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 in extra time amid crowd unrest, controversial refereeing decisions, and a rare on-field walk-off.
Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time on Sunday, firing a left-footed strike into the top-right corner to seal victory for the Teranga Lions at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The match descended into chaos late in regulation time after a string of contentious decisions sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and fans. Play was halted for 14 minutes as supporters attempted to storm the field, security forces struggled to restore order, and Senegal’s team briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
Despite the turmoil, Senegal regrouped, a decision that proved decisive.
“We all saw what happened at the end, but we chose to come back and give everything,” Gueye said. “That mentality won us the game.”
Controversy and Crowd Disorder
The flashpoint came deep into stoppage time. Senegal appeared to take the lead when Moussa Niakhaté headed in a rebound after Abdoulaye Seck’s header struck the post. The goal was ruled out for an alleged foul on Achraf Hakimi, a decision replays suggested involved minimal contact.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala reviewed footage of El Hadji Malick Diouf pulling Brahim Díaz inside the box. The decision ignited confrontations between players and substitutes from both sides, with Morocco coach Walid Regragui stepping in as tensions flared.
Anger spilled into the stands as Senegalese supporters climbed into restricted areas behind the goal, with at least one chair thrown onto the pitch. Fights were also reported in the press box as security scrambled to regain control.
“The image we showed of African football was shameful,” Regragui admitted afterward.
Missed Chance, Turning Point
When play finally resumed, Morocco had a golden opportunity to secure the title. Brahim Díaz, the tournament’s top scorer, attempted a Panenka penalty with the final kick of normal time, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy calmly caught the softly chipped effort.
That save became the turning point.
“Édouard made the save, we stayed focused, got the goal and won,” Gueye said. “Sadio Mané told us to re-mobilize.”
Senegal Finish the Job
Senegal struck early in extra time, with Gueye sweeping home the only goal from open play in a final appearance, a first for the nation. The stadium, packed with nearly 70,000 fans, emptied quickly after the final whistle as Senegal lifted the trophy in front of a largely vacant crowd.
It marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup title in four years, following their penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the 2021 final.
Pre-Match Tensions and Aftermath
The final was preceded by diplomatic tension, with the Senegalese Football Federation accusing the Moroccan hosts of poor organization and a lack of fair play, including security concerns, hotel issues, and limited ticket access for Senegal fans.
Senegal also entered the match short-handed, missing suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra, and losing Krépin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang to injuries during warmups.
Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, were left devastated. Heavy investment in football infrastructure had raised expectations of ending a 50-year wait for the continental title.
“Football can be cruel,” Regragui said. “That penalty could have won us the trophy.”
Instead, Senegal once again stood tallest, surviving chaos, controversy, and pressure to claim Africa’s biggest prize.
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