Senegal Beats Morocco by 1-0, Wins AFCON Title

  • Publish date: since 5 hours Reading time: two min read

Drama and controversy in Rabat as Senegal lift the Africa Cup of Nations with an extra-time victory over hosts Morocco.

Senegal were crowned champions of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic and controversial 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night, January 18.

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The Teranga Lions lifted the trophy after extra time, with Pape Gueye delivering the decisive goal in the 94th minute following a tense and turbulent ending to regulation.

The match, which had been tightly contested for 90 minutes, erupted into controversy deep into stoppage time when a late penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR review. Senegal’s players furiously protested the decision, and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw even ordered his side off the pitch in objection to the call, prompting a 14-minute delay before play could resume.

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When action finally restarted, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up for the spot-kick but opted for a Panenka-style attempt that lacked conviction. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy comfortably gathered the tame effort, turning the tide in favor of the visitors.

Barely minutes into extra time, Senegal struck. Gueye picked his moment, surged forward and fired a powerful shot past Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou to send the visiting supporters into wild celebration and silence much of the partisan crowd.

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The victory marked Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments and confirmed their status among Africa’s football elite. Captain Sadio Mané, who played a key role in calming his teammates during the late protest, hoisted the trophy to roaring acclaim.

For Morocco, the heartbreak of a home final defeat continues a long wait for a second continental crown, with their last triumph dating back five decades. Coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment for his nation’s fans but congratulated Senegal on a hard-fought win.

Despite the controversy, this AFCON final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the tournament’s history, a night of high stakes, fierce competition and unforgettable moments.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here