Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in extra time, thanks to Pape Gueye’s decisive strike, but the final will be remembered as much for its controversy as its quality.
The match, held in a packed stadium buzzing with anticipation, descended into chaos late in normal time when a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time.
Referee decisions ignited fury, turning what promised to be a celebratory showcase of African football into a flashpoint of tension.
Several Senegal players, visibly outraged by the call, walked off the pitch in protest, halting play momentarily as officials scrambled to restore order.
The incident stemmed from what many viewed as a soft foul in the box, awarding Morocco a chance to level the scoreline at 0-0.
Tensions spilled beyond the field, with clashes erupting among supporters in the stands, prompting security to intervene swiftly.
Despite the disruption, the game resumed, underscoring the high stakes of the continental showdown.
Morocco’s penalty taker Brahim Daiz stepped up under immense pressure but could not convert, keeping Senegal’s dreams alive heading into extra time.
The Lions of Teranga regrouped with resilience, channeling their frustration into focused attacking play.
Pape Gueye, emerging as the hero of the night, latched onto a precise through-ball in the 108th minute, slotting home past the Moroccan keeper to send his nation into ecstasy.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, building on their 2021 triumph and solidifying their status as a powerhouse in African football.
Pape Gueye’s goal not only secured the trophy but also highlighted Senegal’s depth and determination on the biggest stage.
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Meanwhile, Sadio Mané has revealed that he played a decisive leadership role during Senegal’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, admitting he was the one who convinced his teammates to return to the pitch after they had initially decided to boycott the match.
Tensions were high following a controversial moment in the game, and both the players and the coaching staff had agreed to withdraw in protest.
Do not forget this moment from Sadio Mané. He is a true leader. 🇸🇳👏 pic.twitter.com/97r91hI7JD
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) January 18, 2026
Mané’s intervention proved to be pivotal. Senegal regained their composure, returned to the pitch, and went on to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal.
The win sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title and further cemented their status as one of Africa’s top footballing nations.
Beyond his performances on the field, Mané’s calm and composed response to a highly charged situation highlighted his exceptional leadership qualities. His ability to guide, unite, and inspire his teammates under pressure once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Senegal’s greatest-ever players.
Senegal’s manager Pape Thiaw told his players to walk off the field in the AFCON final after VAR awarded a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time. pic.twitter.com/WAujsSB3ND
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 18, 2026
Speaking after the final, Mané explained that he did not understand the decision to abandon the match at such a critical stage.
According to the deputy Senegal captain, he immediately stepped in to calm the situation and urged everyone to focus on the bigger picture. He told the players to return to the field and continue playing regardless of the circumstances, believing that walking away would not serve the team or the nation they were representing.
“Yes, it was I who convinced the team to return to the field. The players and the coach had decided to withdraw, and I didn’t understand that decision, but finally, I told everyone to return immediately and to play no matter the cost.”