Dakar, Senegal — Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations title, as street celebrations erupted across the country on 18 January. Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal four minutes into extra time after a stormy conclusion to normal play in which Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest at a late Moroccan penalty.
The match, hosted in Casablanca, ended with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving Brahim Diaz’s stoppage-time spot-kick, prompting nationwide jubilation in Senegal.
According to local reports, coach Pape Thiaw ordered his squad off the field when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review of defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz. Play resumed 17 minutes later after intervention from senior players including Sadio Mané, who remained on the pitch to urge his teammates to continue. Official statements indicate the Senegalese football federation has not issued a formal comment on the walk-off, while Morocco coach Walid Regragui labelled the incident “shameful” in a post-match briefing.
Thiaw’s scheduled press conference was cancelled after disturbances in the media area; he later told broadcasters, “we present our apologies to football. ” The victory marks Senegal’s second continental crown following their 2021 triumph and caps a tournament where they conceded only once. Sources close to the team say the squad is expected to return to Dakar on 20 January for a public reception at the presidential palace.
Further details are expected.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
