Senegal Stuns Morocco To Claim Second AFCON Title

Senegal’s Teranga Lions have etched their names into African football history once again, clinching their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. On a night brimming with tension, controversy, and unforgettable moments, it was midfielder Pape Gueye who proved the hero, netting a thunderous winner just four minutes into the added period to break Moroccan hearts and send the Senegalese faithful into raptures.

The final, played on January 18, 2026, was always destined to be a heavyweight clash. Morocco, the tournament hosts and favorites, were riding high after a two-year unbeaten run and a historic World Cup semifinal appearance. The Atlas Lions, led by captain Achraf Hakimi and star forward Brahim Diaz, were aiming for their first continental crown since 1976. Yet, standing in their way was a battle-hardened Senegal side, boasting experience, grit, and the leadership of Sadio Mane, who had declared this would be his last Cup of Nations appearance.

The match kicked off with both teams feeling the pressure of the occasion. Early nerves were evident, but it was Senegal who settled first, dictating play and controlling possession. In the fifth minute, Pape Gueye nearly opened the scoring, rising unmarked to meet a corner, only for Morocco’s outstanding goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to claw the ball away. The West Africans continued to frustrate the home crowd, keeping Morocco’s attacking threats, including Diaz and Ismael Saibari, largely at bay.

Senegal’s best chance of the first half came in the 38th minute. Sadio Mane, ever the orchestrator, slipped a clever pass through to Iliman Ndiaye, who found himself in space on the right. Ndiaye’s low shot seemed destined for the net, but Bounou produced a stunning save with his outstretched leg, denying Senegal the lead. Morocco’s response was muted, though they nearly snatched a goal three minutes later when Abde Ezzalzouli’s cross found Nayef Aguerd, whose header sailed wide.

As the teams headed into halftime deadlocked, the tension inside the stadium was palpable. Both sides had their share of possession—Senegal with a slight edge at 53.8% during stretches of the match—but clear-cut chances were few and far between. The second half saw Morocco come out with renewed intent, pressing higher and increasing their intensity. The best opportunity fell to Ayoub El Kaabi just before the hour mark, but his first-time effort from Bilal El Khannouss’s pinpoint cross missed the target, leaving the home fans gasping.

Senegal weathered the Moroccan storm and began to reassert themselves as the clock ticked down. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye nearly stole the show in the dying moments of regulation, weaving through the defense before forcing Bounou into another fine save. The drama, however, was only just beginning.

Deep into stoppage time, with the score still locked at 0-0, chaos erupted. Morocco won a corner, and as the ball was delivered, Brahim Diaz was hauled down by Malick Diouf in the box. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala initially waved play on, but after a lengthy VAR review, pointed to the spot. The Senegalese players, incensed by the decision and an earlier disallowed goal for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, threatened to walk off the pitch. Cooler heads prevailed, with Sadio Mane stepping up to calm his teammates and ensure the match continued.

With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Brahim Diaz—who had dazzled throughout the tournament—stepped up to take the penalty. In a moment that will be replayed for years, Diaz attempted a cheeky Panenka, only for Edouard Mendy to stand his ground and make the simplest of saves. "He goes for the Panenka and fails miserably! Mendy stands his ground and catches the ball easily," reported Sportstar. The miss left Diaz distraught and the Moroccan fans stunned, as regulation time finally ended after a staggering 25 minutes of stoppage.

Extra time beckoned, and the psychological blow of the missed penalty was evident. Senegal seized the initiative just four minutes in. Mane won possession and laid it off to Idrissa Gueye, who spotted Pape Gueye making a surging run. Gueye took a few touches before unleashing a left-footed rocket from the edge of the box. The ball crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net, sending the Senegal bench and supporters into wild celebration. "P. Gueye scores! Who saw this coming?" exclaimed the live commentary as the stadium erupted.

Morocco, to their credit, rallied in the second half of extra time. They came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 108th minute when Aguerd’s towering header from a corner rattled the crossbar, but the Senegal defense scrambled the ball clear. The Atlas Lions threw everything forward in the closing minutes, but Senegal’s composure and game management saw them through. As C. Ndiaye held the ball in the corner during the final moments, the seconds ticked away, sealing a famous victory for the Teranga Lions.

The final whistle confirmed Senegal’s 1-0 triumph, sparking jubilant scenes both on the pitch and back home. For their efforts, Pape Gueye was named Player of the Final, while Morocco received the Fairplay Award. Brahim Diaz, despite his penalty heartbreak, finished as the tournament’s top scorer. Yassine Bounou took home the Golden Glove for his string of superb saves throughout the campaign, and Sadio Mane was honored as Player of the Tournament in what could be his AFCON swan song.

Senegal’s triumph marks their second AFCON title in just five years, a testament to the team’s resilience and evolution under pressure. For Morocco, the pain of defeat on home soil will linger, but their journey to the final, led by a new generation of stars, suggests brighter days ahead.

As the dust settles in Rabat, Africa crowns a familiar champion. The Teranga Lions have once again shown their pride, passion, and power on the continent’s grandest stage—a night their fans, and indeed all of African football, won’t soon forget.