- Senegal crowned AFCON champions after tense final in Rabat
- Pape Gueye scores stunning extra-time winner
- VAR penalty decision sparks chaos and protests
- Crowd unrest follows controversial refereeing calls
Senegal are the new Africa Cup of Nations champions after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic and chaotic AFCON final played in Rabat, a match overshadowed by controversial VAR decisions, crowd unrest, and high-tension moments that will be remembered long after the final whistle.
Senegal sealed their AFCON glory in extraordinary fashion, overcoming Morocco in a fiercely contested final that descended into controversy late in the game.
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The decisive moment arrived in extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike from distance, sending the ball flying into the top corner and silencing the Rabat crowd. The goal proved enough to hand Senegal the trophy after a match defined as much by drama as by football.
Tensions reached boiling point during second-half stoppage time. Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Brahim Diaz was judged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf. Diaz stepped up, but his effort was saved, sparking furious reactions from players and fans alike.
The situation escalated further when Senegal players protested an earlier incident in which Ismaila Sarr believed he had scored, only for play to be stopped prematurely, ruling out any possibility of VAR intervention. In protest, Senegal players briefly left the pitch, creating unprecedented scenes in an AFCON final.
As confusion spread, sections of the crowd broke through hoardings in the ninth minute of added time, forcing stewards and security officials to intervene to restore order.
Speaking after the match, a Senegal team official said:
“It was not an easy night for anyone, but this team showed courage, discipline and heart. We stayed focused and earned this victory the hard way.”
Despite the chaos, Senegal held firm and were eventually crowned champions, capping a turbulent final that will go down as one of the most dramatic in AFCON history.
