Senegal claimed their second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, defeating Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final marred by contentious officiating and dramatic scenes in Rabat[[](SID, 2026). The match was nearly abandoned following a disputed penalty awarded to Senegal late in regulation,sparking protests from the Moroccan team and a brief incursion by fans onto the pitch[[](SID,2026). Pape Gueye’s goal ultimately secured the victory for the Senegalese, but the circumstances surrounding the match are likely to fuel debate for days to come.
Senegal are the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations champions, but their triumph was marred by controversy and chaotic scenes in the final against Morocco. The Senegalese secured a 1-0 victory after extra time, fueled by a dramatic late penalty and a stunning goal, but the match was nearly abandoned amid furious protests.
Senegal stürmt per Traumtor zum Titel
Foto: AFP/SID/Abdel Majid BZIOUAT
The decisive moment came late in regulation time when a penalty was awarded to Senegal after a VAR review. Marocco’s players vehemently disputed the call, and Senegal coach Pape Thiaw initially ordered his team off the pitch in protest. Fans stormed the stands at the stadium in Rabat, and security intervened to prevent a pitch invasion. After a nearly 20-minute delay, Brahim DÃaz stepped up to take the penalty for Morocco, but his tame effort was easily saved by Edouard Mendy, sending the game to extra time.
Pape Gueye then struck a spectacular goal in the 94th minute, securing the title for Senegal – their second Africa Cup of Nations crown, following their victory in 2022. Morocco, seeking their first title since 1976, were left heartbroken in front of their home fans.
“We gave everything, we didn’t cheat. Senegal are African champions, and we are overjoyed,” said Gueye, a midfielder for Villarreal.
DÃaz had the chance to become a national hero, but faltered under the immense pressure. The Real Madrid player went down in the penalty area late in the game, leading to the controversial spot-kick. Thiaw’s reaction sparked the initial chaos, and it took the calming influence of Sadio Mané to convince his teammates to return to the field and finish the match. The incident cast a shadow over the tournament.
Morocco, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, had been heavily favored to win on home soil. Led by stars like Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and DÃaz, they had cruised through the tournament until a tight semifinal victory over Nigeria, decided by a shootout.
The final was evenly contested until the dramatic late stages. Senegal had a goal disallowed in the 92nd minute – a header from Moussa Niakhate – as the video assistant referee was unable to review the play according to the rules. Shortly after, the penalty decision ignited the controversy that nearly saw the match abandoned.
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