Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a tense TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final played in Rabat.
The two sides were locked at 0–0 after 90 minutes, before Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in added time, sealing Senegal’s second continental crown following their maiden triumph in 2021.
The defining moment came three minutes into extra time when Gueye produced a thunderous left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the Senegalese players and bench into wild celebrations and silencing a packed home crowd hoping for a historic Moroccan victory.
Morocco had come close to deciding the contest in regulation time after being awarded a late penalty following a VAR review. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edward Mendy rose to the occasion, saving Brahim Diaz’s spot kick and forcing the final into extra time.
The match was evenly contested from the outset, with Senegal starting the brighter of the two sides. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was tested early, first denying Gueye’s header from a corner before making an outstanding one-on-one save to keep out Iliman Ndiaye.
Morocco’s best chance of the first half came shortly before the break when Nayef Aguerd narrowly missed connecting with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s dangerous cross across goal.
After the interval, the Atlas Lions pressed forward with renewed urgency. Ayoub El Kaabi was handed a clear opportunity after a defence-splitting pass from Bilal El Khannouss, but his effort went wide. Despite sustained pressure, Morocco struggled to find the decisive touch in the final third.
Senegal threatened on the counter and nearly scored late in normal time when substitute Ibrahim Mbaye curled a shot toward the far corner, only for Bounou to produce a superb save in the 89th minute.
Extra time proved decisive. A midfield turnover allowed Sadio Mané to cleverly set up Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released Pape Gueye. The midfielder showed strength and composure before driving to the edge of the box and firing an unstoppable shot past Bounou.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Diaz testing Mendy at close range and Youssef En-Nesyri narrowly missing with a diving header. Senegal also had chances to extend their lead, but Bounou continued to keep the hosts in contention.
In the end, Senegal’s defensive discipline and composure saw them hold on for a famous victory, lifting the TotalEnergies AFCON trophy for the second time and further cementing their status among Africa’s football elite.
Pape Gueye was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, expressing pride in his decisive contribution.
“I am very happy to win the final; it was a complicated match,” Gueye said. “After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused, played our game, and showed Senegalese football. Scoring in a final is a moment of pride for me, and most importantly, the Senegal national team now has a second star.”