Senegal Defeat Morocco After Chaotic Final to Win Africa Cup of Nations
GeokHub
Senegal Defeat Morocco After Chaotic Final to Win Africa Cup of Nations
RABAT, Morocco — Jan 18, 2026 Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title in three tournaments after a dramatic and chaotic final, edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time on Sunday following a controversial penalty decision that briefly saw Senegal’s players walk off the pitch.
Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute, firing past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after Morocco failed to capitalise on a last-gasp penalty opportunity in normal time amid scenes of confusion and protest.
Penalty Drama Sparks Walk-Off
The flashpoint came five minutes into stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, following a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty after Brahim Diaz was judged to have been pulled down by Senegal full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner.
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players off the field in protest as officials and players argued near the touchline. After a 14-minute delay, captain Sadio Mané persuaded the team to return.
When play resumed, Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but the weak effort was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the final into extra time.
Gueye Seals the Title
Senegal made their advantage count early in extra time. Gueye struck powerfully from range in the 94th minute, leaving Bounou with no chance and silencing much of the 66,526-strong home crowd.
“We really wanted to win here,” Gueye said. “It was a very difficult match, but we gave everything.”
The goal proved decisive in an end-to-end contest that saw both goalkeepers make crucial saves as the intensity never relented.
Missed Chances and High Tempo
Morocco had opportunities throughout the match. Ayoub El Kaabi missed a clear chance in the second half, while Senegal saw a late goal disallowed in stoppage time after Abdoulaye Seck was ruled to have fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.
The hosts, urged on by a deafening crowd, pressed aggressively, but Senegal matched them stride for stride, showing composure under pressure despite being jeered throughout the contest.
Reaction and Fallout
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment after the final whistle.
“When you get a penalty in the last minute, you feel victory is very close,” he said. “But football can be cruel. We congratulate Senegal, even if what happened during the penalty was disappointing for African football.”
The defeat extended Morocco’s long wait for continental glory, with their only previous title coming five decades ago. Senegal, meanwhile, handed Africa’s top-ranked side their first loss in 27 international matches.
Impact & Analysis
While Senegal’s victory cements their status as Africa’s dominant force in recent years, the controversial scenes in the final risk overshadowing an otherwise successful tournament. The incident is likely to prompt scrutiny of officiating standards and VAR use in African football.
