Senegal have clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title after beating Morocco in an extraordinary final on Sunday. Pape Gueye scored what turned out to be the winning goal early in extra-time, though events that transpired before that moment may overshadow an otherwise superb AFCON tournament.
In the final minute of stoppage time in normal time, Morocco were controversially awarded a penalty following a VAR review when West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have pulled Brahim Diaz back in the area. Senegal players, incensed by the decision after moments earlier seeing a goal disallowed when Abdoulaye Seck penalised for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, were sensationally ordered off the pitch by head coach Pape Thiaw.
After around 20 minutes of frustration and confusion, the Senegal players eventually returned to pitch to face the penalty. With the chance to score his sixth goal of the competition and seal Morocco’s first AFCON title in nearly 50 years, Diaz’s failed with an audacious panenka penalty attempt as Edouard Mendy simply caught the ball. That moment was the final action of regulation time, sending the AFCON final into extra-time where Gueye’s sensational effort into the top corner to crown Senegal champions of Africa. Follow the Africa Cup of Nations final back below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog!
Senegal vs Morocco latest news
GOAL! Gueye fires Senegal ahead in extra-time BRAHIM DIAZ MISSES STOPPAGE TIME PENALTY SENEGAL PLAYERS WALK OFF PENALTY TO MOROCCO NO GOAL! Senegal denied late winnerLive updates
Second star for Senegal
Senegal are now two-time AFCON winners.
AFCON final live
Here is one of many images that will be plastered over tomorrow’s newspapers and on social media.
AFP via Getty ImagesAFCON final live
Look at how much Sadio Mane means to the Senegal players. From being chosen to lift the trophy, he is hoisted up by his team-mates. Surely, this won’t be his last AFCON.
If so, he bows out as a champion!
AFCON final live
Kalidou Koulibaly, suspended for the final, is presented with the trophy but he calls Sadio Mane to the front and Gana Gueye puts the captain’s armband on the forward for the trophy lift!
SENEGAL CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA.
AFCON final live
A few kisses to the AFCON trophy from the Senegal players as they take their place on the stage.
AFCON final live
Here come the Senegal players to receive their gold AFCON medals.
AFCON final live
Walid Regragui immediately removes his medal from around his neck. Wonder what the future holds for the Morocco head coach after failing to win AFCON.
AFCON final live
50 years of pain for the Morocco goes on. A tournament on home soil, will they ever get a better chance to end their AFCON drought?
AFCON final live
Morocco go up to collect their runners-up medals.