Morocco hosted the AFCON final on home soil expecting a coronation, but Senegal ripped up the script on Sunday night, surviving chaos, a missed penalty and crowd fury to win 1–0 after extra time.
The match twisted late when VAR dragged the referee into the spotlight. Brahim Diaz won a penalty after a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf, but the decision sparked protests, a walk-off and flying seats from the stands.
When play resumed, Diaz stepped up and blinked. His soft Panenka let Edouard Mendy stand tall, and Senegal suddenly sensed destiny shifting their way.
Senegal had already seen Ismaila Sarr lose a goal to a foul call. That moment stung, but it also sharpened their edge as Morocco’s confidence drained.
Extra time belonged to Senegal’s midfield muscle and calm heads. Idrissa Gana Gueye carried the ball from deep, found Sadio Mane, and Pape Gueye finished clinically to silence more than 50,000 home fans.
Guirassy summed up the night with raw honesty, saying, “We gave everything. We did not cheat. It was a really tough match, but we came here to win. Senegal are champions of Africa and we are very happy.” Senegal played the moment, not the noise.
Morocco still had a chance to drag it to penalties. Nayef Aguerd rose highest, but his header crashed off the bar, a final sign that fate had turned its back.
Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy again, their third title in three years, while Morocco’s 50-year wait rolled on. The hosts had the stage, but Senegal delivered the final line.
Morocco’s coach struck a sombre tone after the chaos, saying, “Congratulations to Senegal. But the image of African football we showed was disappointing, especially after what happened following the penalty.” He had a point, yet finals remember winners, not grievances.
