Senegal secured victory in the Africa Cup of Nations following a contentious championship match against Morocco.
Goalscorer: Pape Gueye in the 93rd minute.
The inaugural significant scoring opportunity fell to Iliman Ndiaye, who received a precise pass from Nicolas Jackson yet witnessed his attempt denied by the goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Shortly thereafter, the home team appeared poised to score the opening goal when Abde Ezzalzouli delivered a tempting cross into the penalty area, which Nayef Aguerd was unable to connect with from a short distance.
Walid Regragui’s squad maintained their offensive pressure post-halftime, as Ayoub El Kaabi struck a shot wide of Édouard Mendy’s net following a cross from Bilal El Khannouss.
The Lions of Teranga mounted an impressive late attack, with Ibrahim Mbaye unleashing a long-distance shot that Bounou was forced to parry away as eight minutes of stoppage time commenced.
Ismaïla Sarr tapped in what seemed to be a deciding goal from a rebound, after Idrissa Gueye’s header struck the upright, however, the goal was disallowed due to a foul committed against Achraf Hakimi.
Additional controversy arose when a penalty was given to Morocco after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Díaz, with the Real Madrid player stepping up to attempt the kick.
Pape Thiaw reacted to the disputed call by trying to lead the Senegalese players off the field, protesting the VAR ruling made by official Jean Jacques Ndala.
Following a 13-minute interruption, Díaz proceeded to take the penalty, but his Panenka attempt was feebly struck directly at Mendy, concluding regulation play and sending the memorable encounter into an additional period.
Senegal opened the scoring when Pape Gueye unleashed a forceful left-footed shot into the upper netting, marking the first instance Morocco had allowed a goal from open play in the competition.
Abde tried to ignite a comeback by delivering a cross from the left flank, which Youssef En-Nesyri then headed wide of Mendy’s closest post with a diving effort.
The Atlas Lions persisted in their pursuit of an equalizing goal during the latter half of extra time, with Aguerd’s header, originating from an Ilias Akhomach free-kick, striking the crossbar.
Senegal squandered a golden opportunity to extend their advantage when Cherif Ndiaye failed to convert into an unguarded net, after Bounou had parried his initial shot during a counter-attack.
Nevertheless, Thiaw’s team successfully maintained their lead to clinch their second AFCON title within three tournaments.
📸 Image Credit: SEBASTIEN BOZON – AFP or licensors
