BY Rosemary
Senegal were crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday after a dramatic and chaotic final in which Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco, sealing the Teranga Lions’ second continental title.
The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of extra time when Gueye met the ball on the edge of the area and swept a powerful left-footed strike into the top right corner, sparking wild celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters. His goal finally broke the deadlock in a final that had been tense, controversial and repeatedly interrupted by disorder.
The match had already taken a dramatic turn in stoppage time at the end of regulation. Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy produced a moment of high drama by saving a Panenka-style penalty from Morocco’s Brahim Díaz with the final kick of normal time, preserving the 0-0 scoreline and sending the contest into extra time.
Moments earlier, however, the game descended into chaos. Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a highly contentious penalty decision in stoppage time, shortly after Senegal had what appeared to be a legitimate goal ruled out at the other end. The sequence of decisions infuriated the Senegalese side and their supporters, leading to an extended delay lasting around 14 minutes.
Tempers flared on the sidelines as scuffles broke out between Moroccan substitutes and Senegal players. The unrest spilled into the stands when Senegalese fans jumped down into the area reserved for photographers and attempted to push toward the field behind one of the goals. One supporter hurled a chair onto the pitch before being restrained, as police struggled to regain control.
For a period, there were serious doubts over whether the final could continue. Riot police were eventually deployed to reinforce security, and when order was restored, extra time began with a heavy line of security personnel positioned in front of the Senegal supporters to prevent further incidents.
Despite the upheaval, Senegal regained their focus quickly once play resumed. Gueye’s goal early in extra time proved decisive, and Morocco were unable to find an equalizer despite pushing forward in the remaining minutes.
The victory marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Their first came in 2021, when they lifted the trophy after defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout. This latest success, achieved on Moroccan soil and amid extraordinary circumstances, further cements Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations.
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