By Simon Asare
Accra, Jan. 18, GNA – Pape Gueye struck a sensational extra‑time winner as Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, sealing a tense final marked by missed chances and late controversy.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bonou kept his side alive in the opening exchanges, producing a magnificent save to deny Gueye’s close‑range header after just minutes.
The Atlas Lions were stretched again in the 36th minute when Nicolas Jackson slipped Ndiaye through on goal, but Bonou rushed out sharply to smother the effort.
Despite their attacking pedigree, Morocco failed to register a shot on target in a cagey first half, with tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz kept unusually quiet by Senegal’s disciplined back line.
The Teranga Lions nearly broke the deadlock on the brink of halftime, but the Moroccan defence stood firm amid a flurry of goalmouth pressure.
Morocco came out stronger after the interval and almost went ahead in the 58th minute when El Khaki found space inside the box, only to slice wide from close range.
Backed by the majority of the crowd, the North Africans created a series of half chances but lacked composure in the final third.
Ezzalzouli tested Édouard Mendy in the 72nd minute, though his weak effort was comfortably gathered.
At the other end, Senegal’s Mbia had a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time, but Bonou again proved decisive with a full‑stretch save.
Tensions flared in the closing stages when referee Styven Moutsassi awarded Morocco a late penalty after a lengthy VAR check.
Senegalese players briefly walked off in protest before returning, only for Díaz to drag the spot‑kick wide to the astonishment of the stadium.
With the match pushed into extra time, Senegal seized the moment.
In the 94th minute, Gueye made a powerful drive and unleashed a thunderous strike that flew past Bonou, sending the Senegalese bench into wild celebration.
Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser but could not break down a resilient Senegal side that held firm through the final minutes.
The victory hands Senegal their second continental crown, cementing their status as one of Africa’s modern football powerhouses.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade