In one of the most controversial and dramatic finals in the history of African football, Senegal captured their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday night, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. While Pape Gueye was the scoring hero, the match will be remembered for a staggering 20-minute delay, a pitch walk-off by the Senegalese team, and a disastrous missed penalty by Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz.
The match exploded into chaos in the final moments of normal time. Following a lengthy VAR review in the 98th minute, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
Already incensed by a disallowed goal minutes earlier, the Senegal squad, led by coach Pape Thiaw, staged a dramatic pitch walk-off. For 17 minutes, the game was suspended as some players headed for the tunnel. It took the intervention of veteran Sadio Mane and legend El Hadji Diouf to persuade the team to return.
When play finally resumed in the 24th minute of injury time, Brahim Diaz, who is the tournament's top scorer, attempted a "Panenka" chip. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood his ground and caught the ball with ease, a moment that left the 66,000-strong crowd in stunned silence.
"He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him. But that is how he chose to take it. We need to look forward now." said Walid Regragui, Morocco Manager
With the momentum shifted entirely toward the "Lions of Teranga," Senegal struck the decisive blow just four minutes into extra time.
The Goal: Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and released Pape Gueye.
The Finish: The Villarreal midfielder shrugged off a challenge from Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner, beating Yassine Bounou.
Despite a late Moroccan onslaught that saw Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar, Senegal's depleted defence; missing three regular starters, held firm to secure the trophy.
The final was marred by more than just the walk-off. Senegal fans in the away section clashed with police, throwing chairs and objects onto the pitch. These scenes followed a week of tension where the Senegalese federation complained about ticket allocations, hotel quality, and a lack of security.
Analysts suggest the walk-off may have been a psychological "pre-emptive strike" against what Senegal perceived as biased officiating in favour of the hosts. Regardless of the intent, the CAF is expected to launch a full investigation into the conduct of the coaching staff and the security lapses by Moroccan organizers.
After the match, Sadio Mane confirmed that the final was his last-ever game at the Africa Cup of Nations. Having won two titles (2022, 2025) and provided the assist for the winner in his final appearance, Mane leaves a peerless continental legacy as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
