Senegal claimed their second AFCON title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in extra time, but the final was overshadowed by VAR controversy, supporter violence and dramatic scenes in Rabat
Tears, Chaos and Glory: Senegal Clinch AFCON Title as Morocco’s Dream Ends in Rabat Mayhem
What was meant to be a historic night for African football descended into chaos, controversy and raw emotion as Senegal edged Morocco 1–0 in extra time to win the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night in Rabat.
Pape Gueye’s thunderous extra-time strike sealed Senegal’s second AFCON crown, but the victory came amid shocking scenes of supporter violence, heated confrontations, and contentious VAR decisions that overshadowed an otherwise gripping final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The turning point came late in regulation time when Morocco’s Brahim Díaz squandered a golden opportunity to win the match from the penalty spot deep into second-half stoppage time. Overcome by pressure and emotion, the attacker attempted a Panenka that lacked conviction, allowing Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to gather comfortably.
That miss proved fatal.
Moments later, Senegal struck in extra time as Gueye latched onto a layoff from Idrissa Gana Gueye and rifled a left-footed strike beyond Yassine Bounou, sending the Teranga Lions’ bench into wild celebration and silencing much of the home crowd.
VAR Decisions Ignite Chaos
However, the final will be remembered as much for disorder as for football.
Tensions exploded during stoppage time after Senegal thought they had taken the lead through Ismaïla Sarr, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi following a VAR review. Barely minutes later, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty at the other end after another VAR check, judging that El Hadji Malick Diouf had impeded Díaz in the box.
The double decision enraged Senegal’s players, technical crew and supporters.
What followed was an ugly spectacle. Members of Senegal’s Gaindé supporters’ group were seen jumping over advertising boards and onto the pitch, confronting officials and the Moroccan delegation. Riot police and stewards rushed in as projectiles were thrown, electronic boards dismantled, and one steward was stretchered off after sustaining an injury.
Amid the chaos, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch, though it remained unclear whether it was for security reasons or a protest against the officiating.
Missed Chances and Goalkeeping Brilliance
Before the chaos, the match itself was a tense tactical battle, dominated by outstanding goalkeeping.
Morocco’s Bounou produced a string of sensational saves in the first half, most notably clawing away Pape Gueye’s close-range header after initially misjudging the cross. Senegal repeatedly pressed, forcing early corners and unsettling a Moroccan side that had cruised through earlier rounds.
At the other end, Morocco also had chances. Ismaël Saibari and Ayoub El Kaabi both went close, while Abde Ezzalzouli remained the hosts’ most dangerous outlet, repeatedly stretching Senegal’s defence.
In the second half, Morocco wasted their best opportunity when El Kaabi delayed just long enough for Mendy to close him down, dragging his shot wide. Another fierce effort was later blocked by Mamadou Sarr, standing in for the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly.
Penalty Miss Breaks Moroccan Hearts
…and popped it gently into Edouard Mendy’s waiting arms. Photo Credit: ESPN
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the atmosphere turned poisonous. Díaz’s missed penalty stunned the 66,000 fans packed into the stadium—many of whom had already been caught up in the unrest.
Extra time followed, but Morocco never recovered emotionally.
Senegal, by contrast, grew stronger. Gueye’s decisive strike finally broke the deadlock, and despite Morocco throwing everything forward—including a header from Nayef Aguerd that crashed against the crossbar—Senegal held firm.
History Made, Dreams Shattered
At the final whistle, Senegal’s players rushed to celebrate with their embattled supporters, separated by rows of riot police. Moroccan players collapsed to the turf, devastated as their 50-year wait for a Nations Cup title ended in heartbreak on home soil.
For Senegal, it was glory—another continental triumph to add to their 2022 success.
For Morocco, it was a night of tears, turmoil and painful “what ifs.”
And for African football, a final that will be remembered as much for chaos as for champions. Read More
