Senegal win dramatic AFCON final against Morocco in extra time
In a final that will be remembered as much for its drama and controversy as for the football, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1‑0 after extra time to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on 18 January 2026. The tension, swings of emotion and pivotal moments unfolded over more than 120 minutes in front of tens of thousands of fans and a global audience.
Morocco entered the final seeking their first AFCON crown since 1976, buoyed by passionate home support and a strong tournament run, including a penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the semifinals. Senegal, meanwhile, were aiming to add to their first continental triumph in 2021, having reached multiple finals in recent editions and boasting a blend of experience and emerging talent.
The weeks leading up to the game were not without tension. Senegal’s football federation publicly criticised aspects of the organisation and security arrangements for the visiting team, raising issues about training facilities and crowd control on arrival in Rabat, a rare pre‑final flare of discord that added a layer of intrigue to an already high‑stakes showdown.
From kickoff, the final was cagey and intensely tactical, with both teams wary of making early mistakes. Senegal started with a disciplined shape, prioritising compactness and quick transitions, while Morocco, with a slight edge in possession, sought to break through with wing play and creative movement. Despite early opportunities, including a close‑range chance for Senegal and a dangerous Morocco cross narrowly missing its target, neither side could find the breakthrough before halftime.
The tension increased as the match progressed. Senegal’s defensive organisation frustrated Moroccan forwards, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made several key saves to keep the game level. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou also made crucial stops, ensuring the score remained goalless deep into stoppage time.
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The climax of normal time came in dramatic, contentious fashion. After a lengthy VAR check in added time, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco for a challenge in the Senegal box. The decision triggered vehement protests from the Senegalese team and bench. In an extraordinary scene, coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, a dramatic walk‑off that paused the game for nearly 20 minutes and spilled into heated exchanges among players, fans and officials in the stadium.
Eventually, Senegal returned to the field, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty. In a moment that swung the match’s momentum, Mendy saved Díaz’s Panenka‑style attempt comfortably, keeping the score level and sending the contest into extra time.
Just three minutes into the extra period, Senegal produced the decisive moment. Midfielder Pape Gueye received the ball outside the area after a midfield transition, danced past a defender and unleashed a powerful left‑footed strike into the top corner beyond Bono’s reach. The stadium fell silent as Senegal took the lead that would prove decisive.
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Morocco responded with urgency, pressing forward in search of an equaliser. They came close, including a header from Nayef Aguerd that rattled the crossbar, but Senegal’s rearguard held firm. Mendy remained a towering presence, making important saves as the final minutes ticked away.
As the referee blew the final whistle, Senegal’s players and supporters erupted in celebration, while Moroccan fans were left devastated by the narrow loss and the missed opportunity to win on home soil. The victory marked Senegal’s second AFCON crown in three tournaments, confirming their standing among the continent’s elite teams.
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