Senegal clinch second AFCON title in extra time

Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Morocco, but the final was overshadowed by controversy when the Lions briefly refused to play after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the hosts with the match still goalless.

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time, securing Senegal’s second triumph in four years.

Tensions flared late in the match when Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw attempted to lead his team off the field after Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute. The decision came after defender El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz, and referee Jean Jacques Ndala confirmed the spot-kick following a VAR review.

When the penalty was finally taken in the 113th minute, Real Madrid forward Diaz’s Panenka attempt was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Thiaw’s frustration stemmed from an earlier disallowed goal for Senegal, when Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had scored from close range, only for the effort to be ruled out due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

After initially retreating to the dressing room with several teammates, Mendy returned to the pitch, encouraged by captain Sadio Mane.

Gueye’s stunning individual goal in the 94th minute ultimately decided the match. Morocco’s Diaz was substituted in extra time, leaving the team unable to secure their first AFCON title since 1976.

Stabil.Az