Senegal AFCON final win over Morocco came after extra time in a controversial Rabat showdown marked by protests and missed penalty

Senegal won their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday after a dramatic 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco following extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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The Africa Cup of Nations final was marred by controversy, pitch protests, and disputed refereeing decisions before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.

Senegal, playing their fourth AFCON final and first since 2021, denied Morocco a first continental title since 1976.

Morocco, appearing in only their second final since 2004, were seeking to become the latest host nation to lift the trophy on home soil.

The hosts, buoyed by a raucous Rabat crowd, showed early intent despite visible fatigue from playing all tournament matches in the capital.

Senegal, who had played their earlier fixtures in Tangier, began cautiously but remained defensively disciplined.

Both sides created half-chances in regulation time, with Sadio Mané and Brahim Diaz testing the goalkeepers.

Yassine Bounou and Édouard Mendy made routine saves as the contest remained finely balanced.

Tension escalated late in the second half when Senegal thought they had taken the lead through Ismaïla Sarr.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo disallowed the goal, ruling a foul by Idrissa Gueye in the build-up and blowing the whistle before a VAR review.

Minutes later, controversy deepened when Morocco were awarded a penalty after VAR adjudged El Hadji Malick Diouf to have fouled Diaz.

In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch, causing a delay of about 16 minutes.

Diaz failed to capitalise, chipping his penalty straight at Mendy, sending the final into extra time.

In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye broke the deadlock with a powerful left-footed strike after a swift counter-attack.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser, introducing fresh attackers, but Senegal’s defence held firm under sustained pressure.

Mendy produced several crucial saves as Senegal absorbed late attacks to protect their lead.

The Senegal AFCON final win marked their sixth victory of the tournament, their highest tally in a single edition.

Senegal now add a second continental title to their history, following their triumph in 2021.

Despite the defeat, Morocco’s run to the final reinforced their status as a formidable force in African football.

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The final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial inread:  AFCON history.