Rabat, Morocco — Senegal retained the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday with a 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco, sealed by Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute strike after a disputed late penalty had briefly halted play.
The final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium appeared headed for a Moroccan win when referee Jean — Jacques Ndala awarded the hosts a spot-kick deep into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest, but returned following encouragement from captain Sadio Mané, according to post-match remarks carried by local outlets.
Brahim Diaz’s attempted “Panenka” was then comfortably held by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and the match moved into extra time.
Four minutes after the restart, Gueye collected a loose ball and drove a low shot inside the far post to decide the contest. Official statements indicate the penalty arose from a video review of a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz.
Earlier, Senegal believed they had scored through Ismaila Sarr, only for the goal to be chalked off following another VAR intervention.
“We had a feeling of injustice,” Gueye told reporters. “Sadio told us to come back on and we remobilised.
” Security personnel intervened in the stands as visiting supporters reacted angrily to the late decisions; no injuries were reported.
Morocco, chasing a first continental title since 1976, finish as runners-up, while Senegal lift the trophy for the second time in three editions after their 2022 shoot-out triumph over Egypt. Local reports say Mané has signalled the final was his last AFCON appearance.
Senegal will now prepare for upcoming global qualifiers, while tournament officials have yet to comment on the refereeing sequence.
Further details are expected on Monday.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
