Pape Gueye Scores As Senegal Edge Hosts 1-0 In Most Controversial AFCON Final Ever

In a thrilling conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal secured their second title in three years by defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time.

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Despite the high stakes and the defensive reputation of Africa’s top two teams, the match in Rabat was unexpectedly open, fueled by an intense atmosphere from the home supporters.

The game started with end-to-end action. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou denied Pape Gueye’s header, while Ismael Saibari missed a clear chance for the hosts.

Just before halftime, Bounou kept the scores level with a crucial leg save against Iliman Ndiaye’s goal-bound strike.

Morocco seized momentum in the second half, with Ayoub El Kaabi narrowly missing the target. however, their rhythm was disrupted by a significant injury to Neil El Aynaoui.

Senegal thought they had clinched the game in regulation time when Idrissa Gueye headed the ball into the net. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala had already blown his whistle to end the period, leading to a disallowed goal and a furious reaction from Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.

The tension reached a boiling point late in stoppage time when a VAR-awarded penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s foul on Brahim Díaz sparked a 15-minute protest from the Senegalese side.

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Once play resumed, Díaz attempted a bold chip that Édouard Mendy easily caught, forcing the game into extra time. Senegal quickly regained the lead in the added period through P. Gueye, who outmuscled Achraf Hakimi before firing a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner.

Despite Morocco’s desperate search for an equalizer—including a Nayef Aguerd header that struck the woodwork—Senegal held firm. Even a missed opportunity for a third goal by Cherif Ndiaye didn’t haunt them.

Senegal’s victory marks the first time since 1982 that a nation has defeated the hosts in an AFCON final, cementing their “golden era” with a second title. Meanwhile, Morocco’s 50-year wait for a trophy continues despite a valiant effort on home soil.

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