The Africa Cup of Nations final turned into a real thriller. Hosts Morocco faced Senegal at home, but the decisive moments in extra time went the visitors’ way: 0–1. Just one goal — yet a goal that changed the fate of an entire continent.
The second half became drama in the truest sense. After the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts in the 90+9th minute, the Senegal players protested fiercely and even walked off the pitch. A little later — about 10–15 minutes — captain Sadio Mané brought his teammates back and the match resumed.
The penalty was taken, but it still did not save Morocco: goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read Dias’ Panenka-style attempt and kept it out. After that episode, the game was not decided in regulation time and moved into extra time.
As soon as extra time began, Senegal delivered the “final blow”: in the 94th minute Pape Gueye scored the winner. That goal brought Senegal a historic achievement — the team won the continental title for the second time in its history.
Last night’s final at Rabat’s «Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah» had everything: emotion, controversy, debatable decisions and heroics. On one side — the dream of becoming champions at home; on the other — character and will. In the end, Senegal’s patience and composure prevailed.
Africa Cup of Nations. Final
Morocco — Senegal 0:1
18 January, Rabat, «Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah»
Goal: Pape Gueye (94).
Missed penalty: Dias (90+24).
Morocco — Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina (Al Yamik, 89), Mazraoui (Igamane, 98), Al Aynaoui, Al Hannus, Saibari (Salah-Eddin, 90+4), Ezzalzouli, Dias (Ahomash, 98), Al Kaabi.
Senegal — E. Mendy, M. Sarr, Niakate, Kamara (I. Sarr, 77), A. Mendy (Sek, 77), Diouf (Jakobs, 106), I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Mané, Ndiaye (Mbaye, 77), Jackson (Sh. Ndiaye, 90+3).
Bookings: Kamara (24), I. Sarr (90+9), Diouf (90+10), Salah-Eddin (90+21), E. Mendy (90+21), En-Nesyri (112), M. Sarr (113).
The conclusion is simple but harsh: in this final Morocco lacked “one penalty,” while Senegal needed “one goal.” That’s football — whoever keeps their head under pressure ends up celebrating. Senegal did exactly that.
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