Senegal carved their name in the history books as they were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for the second time in three tournaments after narrowly beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a controversial final in Rabat.
The final kicked off with a surprising offensive play from the two defensive sides as Morocco looked to give their home fans something to cheer about right from the start, who were loud and energetic. Senegal made the clearest chances in the first half, with Yassine Bounou denying Pape Gueye from almost point-blank range before Iliman Ndiaye was stopped by an outstretched leg when through on goal just before the interval.
After the break, Morocco came back strongly, and Ayoub El Kaabi wasted two good chances, including the close-range shot that went narrowly wide after Bilal El Khannouss’ brilliant pass. At the end of the game, during the time when tempers flared, Senegal were disallowed a goal after the referee stopped play just before Idrissa Gueye headed home.
The controversy further heightened in injury time when VAR gave a penalty to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Díaz, but Édouard Mendy made a fantastic save to deny a goal and save the game going to extra time. Senegal hit the back of the net in extra time when Pape Gueye shrugged off Achraf Hakimi and fired a stunning left-footed shot in the top corner.
Morocco tried hard to get the equaliser with Nayef Aguerd hitting the woodwork, but Senegal resisted until the end to grab a remarkable win and keep the hosts from the AFCON title for the first time in 50 years.
