The Africa Cup of Nations final delivered high drama as Senegal emerged victorious against hosts Morocco in a tense and eventful clash on Sunday night in Rabat. The match was marked by refereeing controversy, heated reactions from the Senegal camp, a missed penalty, and a decisive extra-time goal.

Both teams created chances from the opening minutes but failed to break the deadlock in regulation time. Senegal came close early on when Pape Gueye’s header went straight to the goalkeeper, while Illiman Ndiaye was denied by a brilliant save from Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco also threatened, but their attacking moves lacked the final touch.

After the break, Morocco increased pressure and dominated possession, firing several shots that failed to hit the target. In the 67th minute, midfielder El Aynaoui suffered a facial injury while attempting a header but returned to play after receiving treatment.

The biggest controversy erupted late in stoppage time when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty following a foul on Brahim Díaz from a corner kick. The decision sparked chaos, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw angrily protesting and even signaling his players to leave the pitch. The team briefly walked toward the tunnel before eventually returning to resume play.

Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his weak Panenka-style attempt was comfortably saved by the Senegal goalkeeper, keeping the score level at the end of normal time.

The turning point came early in extra time. In the 94th minute, Idrissa Gueye played a perfectly weighted through ball to Pape Gueye, who finished with a powerful angled strike to give Senegal the lead.

Morocco pushed hard for an equalizer, hitting the crossbar with a header and missing another clear chance late on, but Senegal held firm to secure the title.

With this victory, Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations crown, having previously won in 2021. Morocco, meanwhile, continue their long wait for a second title, with their only triumph dating back to 1976. Despite the historic win, the final will also be remembered for the controversies that overshadowed its spectacle.