Senegal stunned host nation Morocco to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a dramatic and chaotic final in Rabat, edging a fiercely contested encounter 1–0 after extra time.
The West African powerhouse secured their second continental crown following their maiden triumph in 2021 thanks to a decisive extra-time strike from Pape Gueye.
The final, played in a highly charged atmosphere, was marred by controversy, crowd unrest, and prolonged stoppages.
The breakthrough came early in extra time when Gueye rifled a left footed finish into the top corner, breaking the deadlock in a match already defined by tension and disruption.
Morocco had a golden opportunity to claim the trophy late in normal time when they were awarded a controversial penalty in the 24th minute of added time following a VAR review.
However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy comfortably saved Brahim Diaz’s attempted Panenka, with the Real Madrid winger appearing unsettled after a lengthy delay before taking the spot-kick.
The final descended into chaos moments earlier after Senegal had a potential goal by Ismaila Sarr ruled out for a foul in the second minute of stoppage time.
Shortly after, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco the penalty following a VAR review of a challenge on Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal’s players protested by briefly walking off the pitch, while confrontations erupted between substitutes from both sides.
The situation escalated further when sections of the crowd attempted to breach the pitch area, forcing security personnel and riot police to intervene.
Play was delayed for more than 14 minutes before order was restored in a heavily policed stadium.
Despite the disruptions, Senegal regained composure. Gueye’s goal in the first half of extra time proved decisive, silencing a crowd of 66,526.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser. Diaz nearly redeemed himself with a close-range effort saved by Mendy, while Youssef En-Nesyri came inches away with a diving header that drifted narrowly wide.
Senegal almost doubled their advantage late on, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Pape Cherif Ndiaye from close range, with the substitute also failing to convert the rebound.
The victory confirmed Senegal as AFCON champions for the second time in their history, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021 after defeating Egypt on penalties. For Morocco, the defeat was especially painful, coming on home soil after entering the tournament as strong favourites.
While the final will be remembered as much for its disorder as for its football, Senegal’s discipline under pressure ultimately proved decisive. The Teranga Lions navigated controversy, crowd unrest, and officiating disputes to emerge as continental champions once again.
Senegal will now turn their attention to the World Cup, with hopes of persuading charismatic captain Sadio Mané to feature in another AFCON, after he announced that this final would be his last appearance at the tournament.
Nigeria Clinch Bronze Medal
Meanwhile, Nigeria secured the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The encounter between two of Africa’s most decorated national teams ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout. During the shootout, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, briefly giving the Pharaohs hope. However, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali turned the tide by saving Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
Nigeria converted through Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, while Nwabali made another crucial save against Omar Marmoush.
Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored Egypt’s penalties, but Lookman’s successful kick sealed the 4–2 victory.
Nwabali’s heroics ensured Nigeria finished the tournament on a winning note, claiming a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal. Egypt were left to reflect on another narrow defeat at the latter stages of the competition.
The Super Eagles have now won the AFCON title three times, finished as runners-up on four occasions, and claimed third place a record nine times.
Nwabali was named Man of the Match following Nigeria’s victory. Speaking after the game, the Chippa United goalkeeper dedicated the award to Nigerian fans and his teammates.
Looking Ahead
The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place in East Africa in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda serving as joint hosts the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries.
It will also mark the competition’s return to the region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce the tournament dates. The 2027 edition will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the inaugural AFCON held in 1957 and will be the last to take place in an odd-numbered year.
From 2028, AFCON will be held every four years instead of every two, aligning with the same year as the UEFA European Championship. Hosts for the 2028 tournament have not yet been announced.
