Senegal stun Morocco for Afcon crown

Rabat – Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic final played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night, January 18, 2026.

The title was decided in the 94th minute of extra time when midfielder Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box into the top right corner, ending Morocco’s hopes of winning the continental trophy on home soil.

The final was marred by prolonged stoppages and heated scenes late in regulation time after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest as tensions rose in the stands, forcing security officials to intervene before play resumed.

Morocco had a golden opportunity to clinch the title deep into stoppage time when forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty after a foul was awarded in the box. Diaz attempted a panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read the effort early and made a comfortable save, swinging the momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.

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Both sides created chances in a tightly contested encounter. Morocco came close in extra time when defender Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar, while Senegal were denied on several occasions by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, whose saves kept the hosts in contention.

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The stoppage time disruption lasted close to 25 minutes, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and captain Sadio Mane urging their teammates to return to the field as officials worked to restore order.

After Gueye’s decisive strike, Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser, winning late set pieces and committing numbers into attack, but Senegal defended resolutely to see out the match and secure the Africa Cup of Nations title on Moroccan soil.