Senegal Shock Hosts Morocco to Claim AFCON Crown Following Dramatic Final Protest
Senegal pulled off a surprising victory against Morocco during Sundays Africa Cup of Nations decider. Pape Gueyes strike in extra time secured a 1-0 triumph for them against the home side. The game ended in turmoil as the eventual winners left the field in a prolonged demonstration after a disputed penalty decision near the close.
Brahim Diaz had a chance to secure the cup for Morocco from the penalty spot in the 124th minute after the regular 90 minutes. Disturbing incidents unfolded among spectators and in the media area.
However Senegals keeper Edouard Mendy comfortably stopped the feeble Panenka effort from the Real Madrid player. Diaz appeared unsettled by the extended pause after the call was made.
We put in our all and played fairly Pape Gueye shared with French outlet M6.
It proved a tough encounter yet we stayed resolute to prevail in this location. This nation is truly splendid with passionate followers.
Senegal now holds the African championship and we feel immense joy.
The Congolese official Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the kick deep into the eight minutes of stoppage time. This came following a VAR review of a foul on Diaz inside the area by Senegals El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Diaz along with his teammates and staff strongly urged the referee to review the footage. Yet the ruling to award the penalty sparked outrage from Senegal and their supporters.
While many players departed the pitch Senegal fans in the limited away section hurled seats and items trying to invade the turf.
Security forces and officials eventually restrained them with a substantial cordon. Their frustration shifted to euphoria and astonishment when the spot kick was thwarted once play resumed.
The Senegal squad had earlier grown agitated over the referees choice to nullify Ismaila Sarrs effort in the second minute of added time due to an infringement.
Gueye Emerges as Star
Once Diaz failed from the spot it seemed destined for an energised Senegal to find a breakthrough. They achieved it in the fourth minute of overtime silencing the 66,526 attendees at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Sadio Mane gained the ball in the centre and passed to Idrissa Gana Gueye who then set up his counterpart Pape Gueye.
The Villarreal player shrugged off Morocco skipper Achraf Hakimi while moving forward. He then rifled a fine shot into the upper corner past Yassine Bounou leaving the locals devastated.
Morocco nearly forced a shootout later in extra time as Nayef Aguerd struck the bar with a header.
Fate did not favour Morocco however who hoped to lift the trophy before their supporters and halt a 50 year drought for a second continental success.
Senegal endured securing their second Nations Cup in three tournaments. They previously overcame Egypt via penalties in Yaounde in 2022 for their inaugural win.
They now anticipate the World Cup and aim to convince key figure Mane to feature in another edition after he announced the decider as his final tournament match.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui remarked Well done to Senegal though the spectacle we presented for African soccer is regrettable given the events around the penalty.
Probes into the unsightly moments will examine Senegal players and fans behaviour plus any lapses by Moroccan event staff.
Such episodes occurred at the conclusion of a tightly contested finale with few clear cut opportunities. This aligns with the robust defences of Africas top sides per FIFA standings.
Senegals Iliman Ndiaye saw a strong first half attempt repelled by Bounou while Morocco squandered a chance around the hour when Ayoub El Kaabi missed a close range poke from Bilal El Khannouss delivery.
The closing excitement ensued with Senegal weathering the penalty before Gueye rose to the occasion. Notably this marked Senegals initial goal in an AFCON showpiece having drawn blanks in their prior three finals.
It proved a heartbreaking conclusion for Moroccos run with numerous supporters exiting the venue prior to the end on a chilly damp evening in Rabat.