Senegal Wins Second AFCON Title, Defeats Morocco 1-0 in Controversial Final
- Africa Sports Trending
Otaria Benjamin- 0
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Senegal’s Sadio Mane lifts the trophy with teammates as they celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations./ Reuters
Senegal has won its second Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in a controversial final in Rabat on Sunday, January 18.
Pape Gueye scored the match’s only goal in the 94th minute of extra time. The final ended 0-0 after regulation time.
The match was marked by a controversial last-minute penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review confirmed a Senegalese player brought down a Moroccan player in the penalty area following a corner kick. Senegal walked off the pitch in protest, but returned after the centre referee rejected their appeals.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz took the spot kick, but his attempt was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal held on to their 1-0 lead until the final whistle at the end of extra time.
This marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their first triumph in 2021.
