Senegal Win AFCON Title After Farcical Scenes Over Penalty Award
Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco in a chaotic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.
The match remained goalless through 90 minutes of intense, defensively tight football until stoppage time erupted in controversy: Senegal had a goal disallowed for a push on Achraf Hakimi, followed shortly by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarding Morocco a penalty via VAR after a tug on Brahim Diaz by Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner.
This sparked farcical scenes, including a 14-minute delay as Senegal's players—led by coach Pape Bouna Thiaw—stormed off the pitch in protest amid jostling officials, player confrontations, and Senegal fans invading the field before being tackled by security; talisman Sadio Mane eventually persuaded his teammates to return.
Brahim Diaz stepped up for the last-gasp penalty but disastrously opted for a weak Panenka-style chip that Edouard Mendy easily saved, shifting momentum to Senegal.
In extra time, Pape Gueye capitalized early in the first period (94th minute) with a thunderous top-corner strike following a quick counter involving Sadio Mane, sealing the win despite Morocco's late efforts, including a crossbar hit.
The chaotic events—including fan unrest, the walk-off, and the disputed decisions—marred what could have been Morocco's first AFCON triumph in 50 years and handed them their first loss in 27 internationals, while Senegal celebrated their second title in recent editions ahead of future competitions.
