Senegal crowned champions after a final that lost control
Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after a 1,0 victory over Morocco, but the final in Rabat will be remembered as much for its disorder as for the football that decided it.
According to The Athletic, the match unraveled in the closing stages of normal time when a controversial refereeing decision triggered a walk off by Senegal’s players and a lengthy delay that reshaped the contest.
A final balanced on a knife edge
For long spells, the final unfolded as a tight and competitive contest. Senegal and Morocco both showed attacking ambition, but clear chances were scarce as defensive discipline dictated the tempo.
The atmosphere inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium reflected the tension, with home supporters urging Morocco forward while Senegal’s fans provided constant rhythm from the stands. As the match moved into added time, neither side appeared close to breaking the deadlock.
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The decision that changed everything
The defining controversy arrived deep into stoppage time. Following a VAR review, referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded Morocco a penalty, judging that El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner.
According to The Athletic’s match analysis, the decision enraged Senegal’s players, particularly because moments earlier Ismaila Sarr had put the ball in the net only for play to be halted for a foul before the move was completed.
The back to back calls sparked confusion, protests, and escalating tension around the pitch.
Protest, delay, and a missed chance
As emotions boiled over, most of Senegal’s players left the field in protest, with captain Sadio Mane remaining behind as officials attempted to regain control. The interruption lasted around 16 minutes.
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When the match finally resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. He attempted a panenka, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stayed upright and comfortably caught the ball.
According to The Athletic, the miss visibly deflated Morocco and shifted momentum decisively. Diaz, who had been one of the tournament’s standout performers, was later substituted in extra time, appearing distraught as he left the pitch.
One strike that decided the title
With fatigue setting in, extra time opened up spaces that had been absent earlier. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye found room outside the penalty area and struck a powerful left footed shot that crashed in off the crossbar beyond Yassine Bounou.
The goal stunned the home crowd and proved decisive. Senegal defended resolutely for the remainder of the match, though celebrations were briefly interrupted by objects thrown from the stands.
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According to The Athletic, the scenes underlined how emotionally charged the final had become.
When noise turned into silence
The stadium had been electric earlier in the night, filled with whistles, drums, and coordinated chants from both sets of supporters. That intensity faded sharply after Gueye’s goal.
By the final whistle, large sections of the crowd were already leaving. Senegal celebrated their second Africa Cup of Nations title amid an atmosphere that felt drained by controversy and disappointment.
As one familiar football saying goes, often attributed to Jose Mourinho, finals are not about performance alone, they are about winning. Senegal did exactly that, even as the match itself slipped into chaos.
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Sources, The Athletic
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