Senegal Wins Africa Cup of Nations After Chaotic Final Against Morocco

Senegal has claimed victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, triumphing in a dramatic final against host nation Morocco. The match concluded with a score of 1-0 after Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal during extra time.

The final was marked by significant tension, including a moment when Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch to protest a penalty decision.

Following a 14-minute pause in play, Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy made a crucial save against Brahim Díaz, thwarting a Panenka penalty attempt in the final moments of regular time.

Gueye’s goal in the first half of extra time ultimately secured Senegal’s victory in this chaotic showdown.

Senegal players walk off
There was chaos before extra time with Senegal’s players walking off the field after Morocco was awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty just after Senegal had what seemed a good goal ruled out at the other end.

The decision led to fights between some of the Moroccan substitutes and their opposing players, then Senegalese fans jumped down among the photographers and tried storming the field from behind one of the goals. One threw a chair onto the field as a long line of police held them back.

It was unclear if the game could continue. But riot police arrived to help their colleagues and extra time started with a line of security in front of the Senegal fans.

It’s Senegal’s second Africa Cup win. The Teranga Lions won the 2021 edition after a penalty shootout against Egypt.