Controversy and Ecstasy as Senegal Stun Morocco in AFCON Final

The Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night descended into chaos before ending in jubilation for Senegal, who held their nerve to defeat hosts Morocco in extra time and lift the continental crown after one of the most dramatic finales in tournament history.

The decisive moment came in the 94th minute, when midfielder Papa Gueye struck a thunderous winner to seal Senegal’s second AFCON title. But by then, the match had already been defined by controversy, protests and a missed penalty that turned the contest on its head.

Tension peaked late in normal time. In the 92nd minute, Senegal thought they had taken the lead, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul inside the Moroccan penalty area. Moments later, the situation escalated when Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was ruled to have been brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The decision sparked furious reactions. Players crowded referee Jean-Jacques Ndala as VAR was consulted, and amid the confusion, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch in protest. The final was halted for nearly 20 minutes before Senegal returned, following appeals from captain Sadio Mane to resume play.

When the match restarted, Morocco still held the advantage. Diaz stepped up with a golden chance to decide the final from the penalty spot. Instead, he attempted an audacious panenka, only for Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to read it easily and make a comfortable save. The miss drained the stadium of belief and shifted momentum decisively.

Extra time followed, with both sides visibly stretched, but Senegal showed greater composure. Gueye provided the decisive breakthrough, driving forward before unleashing a fierce strike that left the Moroccan goalkeeper helpless and sparked wild celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters.

The goal ended Morocco’s hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil and extended their long wait for continental glory, their last AFCON title having come nearly 50 years ago. For Senegal, the victory capped a turbulent night and reaffirmed their place among Africa’s elite footballing nations.

In a final overshadowed by controversy and confrontation, Senegal emerged stronger, transforming protest into triumph and chaos into a moment of enduring glory.

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