Senegal have claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title following a thrilling and controversial final with Morocco.
The match began with clear chances for both sides. Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Yassine Bounou after connecting with Nicolas Jackson’s through ball, while Morocco’s Abde Ezzalzouli sent a teasing cross that Nayef Aguerd failed to convert. Morocco kept up the pressure after halftime, with Ayoub El Kaabi firing wide from Bilal El Khannouss’s assist.
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Senegal threatened late in regulation, with Ibrahim Mbaye’s long-range strike saved and Ismaïla Sarr’s rebound goal disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. Controversy erupted when Morocco were awarded a penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s foul on Brahim Díaz. Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw briefly tried to take his team off the pitch in protest, but after a 13-minute delay, Díaz’s Panenka was comfortably saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
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Senegal broke the deadlock as Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, scoring the first open-play goal Morocco had conceded in the tournament. Morocco pressed for an equalizer Youssef En-Nesyri fired wide and Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar but Senegal held on to secure their second AFCON title in three editions.
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