Senegal Silence Rabat: Teranga Lions Claim Second AFCON Title After Final Farce

New Delhi, january 19, 2026: In a final that will be remembered more for its chaotic scenes and a high-stakes walk-off than for the football itself, Senegal were crowned kings of Africa for the second time. A thunderous extra-time strike from Pape Gueye secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night, ending the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a blur of controversy and drama.

The match, which remained a cagey and tactical affair for nearly 90 minutes, descended into unprecedented theater during stoppage time. What followed was a sequence of events that will be debated for years to come in the annals of African football.

Stoppage-Time Chaos: The Walk-Off and the Panenka

As the clock ticked toward 90 minutes, the atmosphere in Rabat reached a boiling point. Senegal thought they had snatched the winner in the 92nd minute when Ismaïla Sarr poked home a rebound after Abdoulaye Seck’s header hit the post. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed the goal for a foul in the build-up, sparking furious protests from the Senegalese bench.

Minutes later, the drama intensified. Following a VAR review, Morocco were awarded a penalty for a tug on Brahim Díaz inside the area. Incensed by what they perceived as biased officiating, the Senegal team—under instructions from coach Pape Thiaw—staged a walk-off, with several players heading toward the tunnel.

After a tense 15-minute delay, and following a calming intervention from captain Sadio Mané, Senegal returned to the pitch. The tournament’s Golden Boot winner, Brahim Díaz, stepped up to seal the title for Morocco, but his audacious “Panenka” attempt was easily gathered by Édouard Mendy, who stood his ground and caught the ball with ease.

Pape Gueye’s Moment of Magic

With the psychological momentum shifted, the game moved into extra time. Senegal, galvanized by their survival, struck the decisive blow just four minutes into the first period.

Pape Gueye collected a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye, surged past two Moroccan defenders, and unleashed a ferocious left-footed shot from 20 yards out. The ball flew into the top corner, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance. It was Gueye’s third goal of the tournament and undoubtedly the most important of his career.

Morocco’s “50 Years of Hurt” Continues

The hosts, backed by a deafening crowd of over 66,000, threw everything forward in the final 20 minutes of extra time. Nayef Aguerd came closest to an equalizer when his towering header crashed against the crossbar.

Despite the relentless pressure, Senegal’s defense, anchored by Mamadou Sarr and the commanding Mendy, held firm. When the final whistle blew, the Moroccan players collapsed to the turf in despair, their wait for a continental title now stretching past half a century.

Key Match Stats

A “Shameful” Image?

While Senegal celebrated, the post-match fallout was swift. Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticized the Senegalese walk-out, calling the scenes “shameful” for the image of African football. Conversely, Senegal’s camp praised the leadership of Sadio Mané—who was later named Player of the Tournament—for keeping the team focused amid the chaos.

This victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in four years, cementing their status as the dominant force on the continent. For Morocco, despite a stellar tournament from Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi, the home-soil heartbreak adds a painful chapter to their history.