Senegal are champions again. A thunderous extra-time strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco, crowning the Lions of Teranga AFCON winners after one of the most controversial finals in recent memory.
Senegal have been crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in a fiery final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026.
The win marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments and further confirms their status as Africa’s dominant football force.
Played in front of a charged home crowd, the final lived up to expectations from the opening minutes. Morocco started brightly, but Senegal looked sharper going forward, forcing early saves from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Iliman Ndiaye came closest in the first half, only to be denied by a quick reflex stop as the game went into the break scoreless.
The second half swung in Morocco’s favour, with Ayoub El Kaabi wasting two clear chances as pressure mounted on the Senegal defence.
Tempers flared when a potential Senegal goal was controversially ruled out, a decision that sparked furious protests from the bench and players alike.
Late drama followed when VAR awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty after a foul in the box. Brahim Díaz stepped up, but his audacious chipped effort was comfortably saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the final into extra time amid chaos and tension.
Just minutes into extra time, Senegal struck. Pape Gueye powered forward on the counter, brushed off Achraf Hakimi and unleashed a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner, silencing the Rabat crowd and sending Senegal fans into wild celebrations.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, hitting the crossbar and forcing last-ditch saves, but Senegal held firm.
When the final whistle blew, history was made Senegal became the first team since 1982 to defeat tournament hosts in an AFCON final.
The triumph adds to Senegal’s 2021 title and cements their golden generation, while Morocco are left heartbroken after falling short at home despite an impressive tournament run.
Man of the Match: Pape Gueye (Senegal)
