Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute rocket seals second title for Teranga Lions as Brahim Diaz’s Panenka nightmare hands victory to Senegal
Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations crown in dramatic fashion on Sunday, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final marred by extraordinary late controversy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Midfielder Pape Gueye’s thunderous strike four minutes into extra time proved the difference, ending Morocco’s 50-year wait for continental glory and sparking wild celebrations among the Teranga Lions.
The match exploded into chaos in second-half stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a lengthy VAR review for a tug by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.
Senegal players and staff furiously protested, briefly walking off the pitch while some supporters clashed with security in ugly scenes that delayed proceedings for 17 minutes.
When play finally resumed, Real Madrid forward Diaz stepped up for what could have been a historic winner – only to see his audacious Panenka chip collected comfortably by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who simply stood his ground.
The miss preserved the 0-0 deadlock through 90 minutes and sent the game into extra time, where Gueye delivered the decisive blow.
Bursting forward from midfield, the Villarreal man shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and unleashed a left-footed missile that crashed in off the underside of the bar, sending Senegal’s travelling fans into ecstasy.
Morocco pressed desperately for an equaliser, with Nayef Aguerd striking the woodwork from a corner, but Senegal held firm to secure back-to-back finals victories following their 2021 penalty shootout triumph over Egypt.
Sadio Mane, handed the captain’s armband for the trophy presentation, was hoisted aloft by teammates in emotional scenes. The former Liverpool star had hinted this would be his final AFCON appearance, bowing out as a two-time champion.
For Morocco, ranked Africa’s top side and fresh from their groundbreaking 2022 World Cup semi-final run, the defeat was heartbreaking. The Atlas Lions become just the fourth host nation to lose an AFCON final.
Despite dominating possession and territory for long periods, Walid Regragui’s side lacked a cutting edge and were left to rue Diaz’s costly showboat attempt under intense pressure.
The unsavoury late incidents overshadowed what had been a tense, tactical battle, raising questions about security and officiating as Morocco looks ahead to co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Yet for Senegal, none of that will matter. Pape Gueye, named among the tournament’s standout performers, wrote his name into folklore with a moment of pure quality when it mattered most.
The Teranga Lions are champions of Africa once again.
Photo Credits: Getty images
