Senegal are champions of Africa once again after a tense and dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final saw them defeat Morocco 1-0 after extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
In a contest that swung on fine margins, Pape Gueye’s composed finish in the 94th minute proved decisive, finally breaking Moroccan resistance after 90 minutes of deadlock and a marathon of stoppages, VAR checks and missed opportunities.
The final began at a furious pace, with both sides showing early intent, but it quickly settled into a tactical battle marked by physical duels and long stoppages for injuries. Senegal carried the greater threat in open play, with Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr all testing Yassine Bounou, while Morocco looked most dangerous through Achraf Hakimi’s deliveries and the movement of Ayoub El Kaabi.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time. The biggest moment came deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after VAR intervened for a foul in the box. Brahim Diaz stepped up with the chance to win the final, but Edouard Mendy guessed correctly and produced a crucial save to keep Senegal alive, a moment that shifted the emotional tide of the match.
Extra time followed the same relentless pattern, with Morocco pushing bodies forward and Senegal relying on discipline and quick transitions. Just four minutes into the additional period, the deadlock was finally broken. Idrissa Gana Gueye surged forward on the counter and slid a perfectly weighted pass to Pape Gueye, who kept his composure to curl a left-footed shot into the top corner beyond Bounou.
From there, Senegal defended with everything they had. Morocco threw on fresh legs and pumped balls into the box, but Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr and Abdoulaye Seck stood firm, while Mendy continued to command his area under intense pressure.
As the clock ticked past 120 minutes, frustration boiled over for Morocco, with fouls and yellow cards punctuating a desperate final push. When the final whistle arrived, Senegal’s bench spilled onto the pitch in celebration, knowing they had survived one of the most demanding finals in recent AFCON history.
For Morocco, it was heartbreak once again on the continental stage, undone by missed chances and a penalty that slipped away. For Senegal, it was a triumph built on resilience, belief and a moment of quality when it mattered most.
Africa has new kings, and once again, they wear Senegal’s colours.
