Senegal claimed victory in the Africa Cup of Nations following a contentious championship match against Morocco.
Goal-scorer: Pape Gueye in the 93rd minute.
The initial significant scoring opportunity of the match fell to Iliman Ndiaye, who received a precise pass from Nicolas Jackson yet witnessed his attempt denied by Yassine Bounou.
Shortly thereafter, the home team appeared poised to score first when Abde Ezzalzouli delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area, which Nayef Aguerd could not connect with from close proximity.
Walid Regragui’s squad maintained offensive pressure subsequent to halftime, as Ayoub El Kaabi struck a shot wide of Édouard Mendy’s net following a cross from Bilal El Khannouss.
The Teranga Lions generated an impressive attempt late in the game via Ibrahim Mbaye’s long-distance shot, which Bounou was compelled to parry away as eight minutes of additional time commenced.
Ismaïla Sarr managed to tap in what could have been the decisive goal from a rebound after Idrissa Gueye’s header ricocheted off the post, but the goal was invalidated due to an infringement against Achraf Hakimi.
Additional controversy arose when Morocco received a penalty kick for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s tackle on Brahim Díaz, with the Real Madrid player getting ready to attempt the shot.
Pape Thiaw reacted to the disputed ruling by attempting to remove Senegal’s squad from the field in protest of referee Jean Jacques Ndala’s VAR decision.
Following a 13-minute stoppage, Díaz approached the spot but directed a weak Panenka shot straight at Mendy in the dying moments of regulation, thereby extending the memorable final into extra time.
Senegal achieved the breakthrough thanks to Pape Gueye’s formidable left-footed strike into the upper corner, marking the first instance Morocco had allowed a goal from open play throughout the competition.
Abde sought to ignite a comeback by delivering a cross from the left flank, which Youssef En-Nesyri subsequently headed wide of Mendy’s near post with a diving effort.
The Atlas Lions persistently pressed for an equalizer during the second half of extra time, striking the crossbar with Aguerd’s header originating from an Ilias Akhomach set-piece pass.
Senegal squandered an excellent opportunity to extend their advantage when Cherif Ndiaye failed to convert into an open net, following Bounou’s save of his initial shot during a counterattack.
Nevertheless, Thiaw’s squad successfully maintained their lead, securing their second AFCON title within three tournaments.
📸 Photo Credit: SEBASTIEN BOZON – AFP or licensors
