– Adejola Adeyemi Crown
Senegal stunned hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, securing a 1-0 victory in extra time to lift the continental title for the second time.
The match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was marred by ugly scenes following a controversial penalty award to Morocco in injury time at the end of normal time.
Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, while clashes erupted among supporters, forcing a nearly 20-minute delay before the game resumed.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot was saved, denying the host nation a late winner and taking the game into extra time.
Senegal then took advantage of the reprieve as midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time. The West Africans held on to secure the victory, leaving the Moroccan side and fans devastated.
The win marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, adding to their first triumph in 2022.
The final ended in a dramatic and tense atmosphere, but Senegal’s resilience and discipline saw them through to victory.
