Senegal were crowned TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time after a dramatic 1–0 extra time victory over hosts Morocco in a final that spiralled into controversy, delays and crowd unrest.
The showpiece match remained goalless after 90 minutes, but tension boiled over deep into stoppage time. Senegal had a goal ruled out at one end, only for Morocco to be awarded a penalty moments later. Incensed by the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch as Moroccan fans celebrated and whistled.
After a 14 minute delay, play resumed in a charged atmosphere. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty in the 24th minute of second half stoppage time, but Díaz attempted a cheeky Panenka penalty and Édouard Mendy produced a simple save to keep Senegal alive.
The drama did not end there. Senegal supporters attempted to storm the pitch, while clashes were reported between journalists in the press box, further underlining the volatility of the occasion.
The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the first half of extra time when Pape Gueye swept a left footed strike into the top right corner, giving Senegal a crucial lead at the end of the first period.
Morocco pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, driven on by a passionate home crowd, but Senegal’s defence held firm. Their composure and experience in big moments ultimately proved decisive.
Senegal have become the first team since 2013 to win the Africa Cup of Nations without needing a penalty shootout, and the first to achieve the feat in the expanded 24 team era.
The milestone underlines the Lions of Teranga’s authority across the tournament, with their title run defined by control in decisive moments rather than lottery finishes from the spot. It also marks a clear break from recent AFCON history, where finals and knockout ties have increasingly been settled on penalties.
For Senegal, the victory confirms a golden era. Once again, the Lions of Teranga showed discipline, belief and collective strength on African football’s biggest stage. The trophy returns to Dakar, and Africa has its champions again.
