Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after a chaotic and controversial final, defeating host nation Morocco as Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning extra-time winner to secure the country’s second AFCON title.
The match descended into confusion late in regular time when a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco for Malick Diouf’s foul on Brahim Diaz following a lengthy VAR review, prompting Senegal players to leave the pitch in protest on the instruction of manager Pape Thiaw, minutes after Ismaila Sarr had a potential winning goal ruled out for a disputed foul on Achraf Hakimi by Abdoulaye Seck. After a delay of about 15 minutes, Diaz returned to take the penalty but saw his chipped effort saved by Edouard Mendy, before Gueye’s decisive strike in extra time sealed a dramatic victory for Senegal.