Published: January 19, 2026
Senegal defeated host nation Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time, sealing a dramatic victory deep into extra time after a final overshadowed by controversy and prolonged stoppages.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute with a brilliant individual effort, giving the Lions their second continental title in four years.
The match, which ended goalless in regulation time, was marred by chaos in stoppage time of extra time. Senegal temporarily refused to continue play after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the 98th minute. The decision came after referee Jean Jacques Ndala reviewed a VAR incident and ruled that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz inside the box.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw attempted to lead his players off the field in protest, with the standoff lasting about 16 minutes. When play resumed, Real Madrid forward Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but saw his attempted Panenka saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Thiaw, 44, was visibly angered by the officiating, particularly after a Senegal goal moments earlier was disallowed. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had appeared to score from close range, but the referee ruled it out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.
Mendy briefly left the field and headed toward the dressing room before returning after captain Sadio Mane urged his teammates to see out the match.
Morocco, who last won the tournament in 1976, missed a golden opportunity to end their long wait for an AFCON title. Diaz was later substituted during extra time.
Despite the disorderly finish, Mane drew praise for his leadership, repeatedly urging his teammates to remain on the field and later appealing to Senegal supporters to stay calm following the final whistle as security forces moved in to restore order.
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