Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time, but only after a dramatic and controversial final that saw the champions briefly refuse to continue play.
The match, which was goalless deep into added time, was overshadowed when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, prompting Senegal’s players to walk towards the tunnel in protest. Order was eventually restored, and Senegal went on to seal victory in the fourth minute of extra time.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal with a brilliant solo effort in the 94th minute, securing a second continental crown in five years for the Lions of Teranga.
Controversy erupted in the 98th minute when referee Jean Jacques Ndala, following a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Diaz. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted angrily, attempting to lead his team off the pitch after believing his side had earlier been denied a legitimate goal.
Moments before the penalty decision, Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had bundled the ball home, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.
When play resumed, Diaz’s Panenka penalty in the 114th minute was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping Senegal ahead.
Senegal only returned to the field following intervention from captain Sadio Mane. Morocco later substituted Diaz in extra time as their wait for a first AFCON title since 1976 continued.
