Gueye’s Extra-Time Thunderbolt Hands Senegal Second AFCON Crown

JOHANNESBURG – Senegal are champions of Africa once again after Pape Gueye’s sublime extra-time strike sealed a 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a tense TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.

With the contest deadlocked after 90 minutes, it took just three minutes of extra time for the breakthrough to arrive. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, Gueye drove forward and unleashed a powerful left-footed effort that flew past Yassine Bounou, sparking wild celebrations among the Senegalese players and supporters and silencing a packed stadium that had been willing Morocco on.

The victory delivers Senegal’s second continental title, adding to the trophy they first lifted in 2021, and confirms the Teranga Lions’ status as one of Africa’s dominant forces of the modern era.

The final had been finely balanced throughout, shaped as much by moments of composure as by missed opportunities. Morocco, chasing a first AFCON title in more than 50 years on home soil, came agonisingly close to deciding the match in normal time.

Awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, the Atlas Lions were denied when Edward Mendy produced a superb save to stop Brahim Diaz, sending the game into extra time.

Senegal had looked the more assured side in the opening half, controlling possession and creating the clearer chances. Gueye himself went close early on with a header at the back post, while Iliman Ndiaye was denied by a sharp one-on-one save from Bounou.

Morocco’s best chance before the break came just minutes before half-time, when Nayef Aguerd narrowly failed to connect with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s inviting cross that flashed across the face of goal.

The hosts emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and pushed Senegal back for long spells. Ayoub El Kaabi squandered a gilt-edged opportunity when he was played through by Bilal El Khannouss, only to send his effort wide, while Morocco continued to probe without finding a decisive touch in the final third.

Pape Gueye celebrates after scoring against Morocco

Senegal, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter and almost stole the match late on. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye curled a fine effort towards the far corner in the 89th minute, forcing Bounou into another full-stretch save to keep the scores level.

Extra time, however, proved decisive, and Senegal struck with ruthless efficiency. A turnover in midfield saw Sadio Mané link play cleverly before Idrissa Gana Gueye released Pape Gueye. Showing strength and composure, the midfielder drove forward and finished emphatically from distance.

Morocco threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Diaz went close to atoning for his missed penalty with a close-range effort saved by Mendy, while Youssef En-Nesyri’s diving header drifted just wide.

At the other end, Senegal could have doubled their lead, but Bounou denied Pape Cherif Ndiaye in the dying moments.

When the final whistle sounded, Senegal’s players collapsed in celebration, having defended their slender advantage with discipline and maturity. For Morocco, the wait for a second AFCON title goes on, despite a spirited campaign on home soil.

Gueye, named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, summed up the occasion afterwards. “It was a complicated match,” he said. “After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused and played our game. Scoring in a final is a moment of pride for me, but the most important thing is that Senegal has won a second star.”