Senegal showcased grit, resilience and championship pedigree as they defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in their history.
The final, played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, was a tense and evenly matched contest. Clear chances were scarce until late drama unfolded in the 95th minute, when VAR intervened to award Morocco a penalty. With the pressure mounting, Édouard Mendy rose to the occasion, producing a superb save to deny Brahim Díaz and preserve Senegal’s hopes.
The miss galvanised the Teranga Lions, who refused to be unsettled despite a flurry of yellow cards. Their persistence was rewarded deep into extra time when Pape Gueye curled a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among Senegalese supporters.
Morocco pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Senegal’s disciplined defence held firm, sealing a memorable triumph that underlined their mental strength and determination on the biggest stage in African football.
