Senegal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title in dramatic fashion on Sunday night, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a pulsating final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its football.
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was overshadowed by chaotic scenes following a late and highly disputed penalty decision that nearly handed Morocco the trophy in normal time.
Morocco’s star forward, Brahim Díaz, had the chance to seal glory for the hosts deep into stoppage time after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rose to the occasion, calmly saving Díaz’s poorly executed chip after a prolonged delay of almost 20 minutes, during which tensions flared both on the pitch and in the stands.
The decision sparked fury among Senegal players and supporters, with some fans attempting to invade the pitch and throwing objects before security officials restored order, only for the mood to swing dramatically when the penalty was saved.
Senegal had earlier felt hard done by when a late goal was disallowed in stoppage time, adding to their sense of injustice, but Mendy’s heroics seemed to galvanise the Lions of Teranga for extra time.
Their moment of triumph arrived in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye fired home a stunning winner, advancing past Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a superb strike beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the top corner.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Nayef Aguerd striking the crossbar in the second period of extra time, but it was not to be for the Atlas Lions, who were hoping to end a 50-year wait for a second continental crown on home soil.
Senegal nearly doubled their advantage late on, only for Cherif Ndiaye to waste a clear chance, yet they held firm to secure their second AFCON title in three editions, having previously won their maiden crown against Egypt in 2022.
The victory sends Senegal into the World Cup in the United States with renewed confidence, while questions are expected over the chaotic scenes that marred the final, even as the champions celebrate a hard-earned and historic triumph.
Source: AFP
