Hero Gueye says sense of injustice drove Senegal to AFCON final glory

Senegals key player in the Africa Cup of Nations final Pape Gueye explained that his side was motivated by feelings of unfairness following a disputed penalty given to Morocco that sparked chaotic incidents and nearly robbed them of the championship.

The fixture at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat remained level deep into added time after regular play when Morocco received a penalty after a VAR review of a foul on Brahim Diaz.

Still seething from an earlier goal being ruled out due to what seemed a minor infringement at their end Senegal players expressed outrage at the call with several leaving the field in protest.

At the same time unrest erupted among spectators as certain Senegalese supporters attempted to access the pitch leading to clashes with security staff.

The contest was paused for nearly 20 minutes before Diaz attempted the spot kick which was poorly struck and stopped by Senegals goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Gueye subsequently netted an outstanding strike in the fourth minute of added time securing a 1-0 victory for his team and clinching the trophy.

We experienced a sense of wrong doing. Right before that penalty incident we believed we deserved a goal yet the official skipped VAR Gueye the Villarreal midfielder commented adding that Sadio Mane encouraged the squad to return for the kick.

Sadio instructed us to resume playing and we regrouped. Edouard blocked it we kept our concentration scored the decisive goal and claimed the win.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw revealed he had directed his players to exit initially due to their objection to the penalty but later conceded it was a mistake.

Upon reflection I see that telling them to leave was incorrect. I am sorry for it Thiaw shared with French outlet beIN Sports.

In the excitement of the moment reactions can be impulsive. Prior to that we had a goal disallowed. However we now understand officials err and we offer our apologies.

This marked Senegals second Africa Cup of Nations success coming four years after their inaugural one in Cameroon via penalties against Egypt in the decider.

The Lions of Teranga have reached the final twice as runners up and strikingly Gueyes effort was the inaugural goal Senegal has managed across all four of their AFCON final outings.

We are thrilled with this evenings success Gueye stated noting that three Senegalese squad members including usual starter Krepin Diatta at right back and Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr had pulled out just before kick off.

We feel immense pride. Our aim was to triumph this evening. Everyone witnessed the late drama yet we chose to return to the field and exert full effort which paid off.