Senegal won the AFCON title for the second time by beating Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay stadium in Rabat.
The game ended with some controversy when Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, ordered his players to leave the field.
This was in protest of a last-minute penalty given to Morocco after Brahim Diaz was fouled in the box.
However, Edward Mendy saved Diaz’s penalty, sending the game into extra time.
Just three minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal with a powerful left-footed shot.
The match was close from the start, Morocco was trying to win their first title in over 50 years, while Senegal wanted to win again after their 2021 victory.
Morocco played better after halftime. Ayoub El Kaabi had a great chance to score but missed the target.
Senegal almost scored at the end of regular time. In the 89th minute, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s shot was saved by Bounou. Morocco tried hard to equalize.
Diaz had a close shot saved by Mendy, and Youssef En-Nesyri’s diving header just missed.
Senegal could have scored again, but Bounou stopped Pape Cherif Ndiaye’s close-range shot.
In the end, Senegal celebrated their win, while Morocco, praised for their organization, had to settle for second place, just like in 2004 when they lost to Tunisia.
The Atlas Lions long wait for the second AFCON trophy continues 50 years on.
