The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held yesterday on January 18, 2026, delivered one of the most dramatic conclusions in the tournament’s history, as Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at a rain-soaked Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Backed by nearly 69,000 fans, Morocco hoped to end a 50-year wait for a second AFCON title, having last lifted the trophy in 1976. Under Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions had entered the final as favourites, buoyed by their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run and a squad ranked 11th in the world. For Regragui, who lost the 2004 final as a player, the pressure to deliver was immense.

Senegal, led by talisman Sadio Mané, were contesting their third final in four tournaments, chasing a second title after their 2022 triumph over Egypt. Morocco’s attacking hopes rested heavily on tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz, while their defence had conceded just once all competition. However, the final was preceded by controversy, with the Senegalese FA protesting poor security arrangements, accommodation issues, restricted ticket access, and being asked to train at Morocco’s base. Coach Pape Thiaw publicly voiced safety concerns, while Mané announced the match would be his last AFCON appearance, a claim Thiaw later downplayed.

The match itself descended into chaos late on. In the 90+2nd minute, Senegal thought they had won the game when Ismaïla Sarr scored from close range, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul, prompting furious protests. Matters worsened in the 90+8th minute when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a prolonged VAR review for a challenge on Díaz. The decision sparked outrage, leading to a near 20-minute stoppage as Senegal players temporarily left the pitch and sections of their supporters attempted to invade the field. When play finally resumed in the 90+24th minute, Díaz’s attempted panenka was comfortably saved by Édouard Mendy, a moment that swung momentum decisively.

Inspired by Mendy’s save, Senegal struck early in extra time. Sadio Mané initiated the move before Pape Gueye powered past Achraf Hakimi and fired a stunning strike into the top corner, silencing the home crowd. Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Nayef Aguerd hitting the crossbar, but Senegal held firm to secure a historic victory. The win marked Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions and their first-ever goal in an AFCON final.

For Morocco, the defeat extended a painful half-century title drought, with many fans leaving before the final whistle. Post-match scrutiny is expected over crowd disturbances and organisational concerns, yet the tournament still underlined Morocco’s readiness as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. Senegal’s triumph also sealed their World Cup qualification, while debate continues over whether this truly marked the end of Sadio Mané’s AFCON journey.