In one of the most extraordinary and controversial finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on January 18, 2026, to claim their second continental crown.
Pape Gueye’s stunning strike four minutes into extra time sealed the victory for the Teranga Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, but the match will be remembered for late-game chaos that saw Senegal’s players briefly walk off the pitch in protest.
The game itself was a tense, low-scoring affair between two defensively disciplined sides. Senegal, led by talisman Sadio Mané in what he had indicated would be his final AFCON appearance, relied on counter-attacks and set pieces, while Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and tournament hosts, controlled more possession but struggled to break down a resolute Lions defense.
Normal time ended in pandemonium. In stoppage time, a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR review deemed El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Díaz during a corner. Senegal’s players, already frustrated by earlier decisions including a disallowed goal for Ismaïla Sarr stormed off the field in protest, led by coach Pape Thiaw. After a lengthy delay and encouragement from Mané, they returned.
Díaz stepped up for the last kick of the game and attempted a audacious Panenka chip, only for Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to stand firm and save it comfortably.
The drama continued into extra time. Just four minutes in, Pape Gueye hammered home a powerful goal to give Senegal the lead. The Lions held on despite late pressure, including a header from Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd that struck the bar.
“We were able to score and win the game. We had felt some injustice because before that there was a fault for us but the referee did not see it,” Gueye said post-match. “As humans, we felt frustrated. As you mentioned, Sadio told us to come back and we found the strength to come back, then Mendy saved the penalty.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment, “We really wanted to win here… We congratulate Senegal, even if what we showed of African football was disappointing, given everything that happened when the penalty was awarded.”
Mané, named player of the tournament, lifted the trophy as captain Kalidou Koulibaly passed him the armband. This marks Senegal’s second title since their 2021 triumph (played in 2022), cementing their status as one of Africa’s premier teams. For Morocco, the wait for a first AFCON win since 1976 extends another cycle, despite their recent global successes.
