Gueye’s Extra-Time Strike Seals Dramatic AFCON Glory for Senegal

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time after edging Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final decided in extra time, a match overshadowed by controversy, stoppages, and tense scenes both on and off the pitch.

The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Pape Gueye struck the winning goal, capping a resilient Senegalese performance and breaking Moroccan hearts after a fiercely contested final that had earlier threatened to unravel amid heated protests.

The match, played before a packed and emotionally charged crowd, was finely balanced throughout normal time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tactical battle marked by intensity rather than clear-cut chances. Senegal’s defensive organisation frustrated Morocco’s technically gifted attack, while the Atlas Lions remained disciplined against Senegal’s physical and direct approach.

Drama erupted in injury time at the end of the 90 minutes when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. The decision sparked furious reactions from Senegal players, several of whom walked off the pitch in protest, while clashes broke out among supporters in the stands. The referee was forced to halt proceedings as order was restored, leading to a delay of nearly 20 minutes before play could resume.

When the match eventually restarted, Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to settle the final. However, Brahim Díaz’s penalty was superbly saved, preserving Senegal’s hopes and shifting momentum as the contest moved into extra time.

That miss proved pivotal.

With tensions still simmering, Senegal regrouped and found the breakthrough in extra time. Pape Gueye latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area and fired home a composed finish, sending the Senegal bench and supporters into raptures. The goal rewarded Senegal’s persistence and composure in a match defined as much by mental strength as technical quality.

Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing minutes, committing numbers forward, but Senegal held firm. Their defence remained resolute under pressure, seeing out the remaining minutes with discipline and maturity to secure a famous victory.

The triumph confirms Senegal’s status as a dominant force in African football, adding a second continental crown to their growing legacy. For Morocco, the defeat was a bitter end to a strong tournament campaign, one that will be remembered as much for the missed penalty as for the controversy that surrounded the final moments of regulation time.

Despite the unsavoury scenes that briefly threatened to overshadow the occasion, Senegal’s achievement stands as a testament to their resilience and championship pedigree on Africa’s biggest stage.