Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 win after a chaotic ending, with the champions briefly storming off the pitch in protest over a controversial late penalty.
Brahim Diaz had a chance to win it for Morocco with a spot-kick in the 24th added minute, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved his weak ‘Panenka’ attempt, distracted by the long delay.
The penalty was awarded following a VAR check for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Diaz, the Moroccan team, and their bench protested furiously, while Senegal players walked off the pitch.
Some fans hurled chairs before being contained by police. When play resumed, the missed penalty energised Senegal.
Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and fed Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder held off Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi and struck into the top corner past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the fourth minute of extra time, leaving the home fans stunned.
Morocco could have forced a shoot-out when Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar in extra time, but Senegal held on to win.
The title is Senegal’s second in three editions, after beating Egypt on penalties in 2022, and raises questions about Mane’s future in the tournament after he declared this would be his AFCON finale.
The match had been tense and low on clear chances. Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou in the first half, while Ayoub El Kaabi missed for Morocco just before the hour.
Gueye’s extra-time strike was Senegal’s first goal in an AFCON final, having failed to score in their previous three appearances.
The final ended in frustration for Morocco, with many fans leaving Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on a cold, wet night.
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