Senegal emerged victorious in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, in a match overshadowed by chaos following a controversial late penalty.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz had a chance to clinch the trophy in the 24th minute of added time at the end of regulation. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved Diaz’s weak chipped attempt, after a long delay of nearly 20 minutes following the VAR-assisted penalty decision. The spot-kick had been awarded for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, sparking furious protests from Diaz, the Moroccan bench, and players.

Senegal players initially walked off the pitch in protest, and some away fans attempted to storm the field, throwing objects in anger. Police and stewards eventually restored order, turning Senegal’s fury into jubilation when the penalty was missed.

The match had already been tense, with Senegal seeing a disallowed goal in the second minute of added time after Abdoulaye Seck’s header rebounded to Ismaila Sarr. After surviving the penalty drama, Senegal went on the offensive in extra time.

Pape Gueye became the hero in the fourth minute of extra time. Sadio Mane won the ball in midfield and passed to Idrissa Gana Gueye, who set up Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder held off Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi and fired a precise strike into the top corner, beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to secure Senegal’s win.

Morocco still had a chance to force a penalty shootout, with Nayef Aguerd hitting the crossbar in extra time, but the hosts could not find the equalizer. Senegal nearly extended their lead, but Cherif Ndiaye missed a late opportunity.

This marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions, having previously won their first trophy on penalties against Egypt in 2022. The team now looks forward to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, while Sadio Mane hinted that this might have been his last AFCON appearance.

The controversial ending has prompted scrutiny of the conduct of Senegal’s team and fans, as well as organizational lapses by Moroccan authorities. Despite a defensively tight game with few clear chances—such as Iliman Ndiaye being denied by Bounou in the first half and Ayoub El Kaabi missing late—the decisive goal by Gueye made history: it was Senegal’s first goal ever in an AFCON final, after three previous appearances without scoring.

For Morocco, the loss was a bitter disappointment, ending their hopes of claiming the African title on home soil for only the second time in history.