Senegal surprised everyone in Rabat by beating Morocco 1–0 after extra time to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
The tension was highest at the end of regular time when Brahim Díaz tried a Panenka penalty, but Édouard Mendy easily caught it. Four minutes into extra time, Papa Gueye scored to give Senegal the lead. The Lions of Teranga defended well, quieting the home fans and starting celebrations in Dakar and elsewhere.
Earlier in the match, Morocco got a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf handled the ball in the box. Most of Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest but returned for the penalty.
The first half saw plenty of chances. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made two great saves against Pape Gueye and Nicolas Jackson, and Nayef Aguerd nearly scored for Morocco just before halftime.
Morocco made it to the final in Rabat by beating Nigeria on penalties. Senegal reached the final with a 1–0 win over Egypt in Tangiers, thanks to a late goal from Sadio Mané. Nigeria later took third place by winning a penalty shootout against Egypt, even though Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed their shots. This was Nigeria’s ninth time finishing third in AFCON history.This was Morocco’s first final since 2004, when they lost 2–1 to Tunisia. For Senegal, this win adds a second continental title after their 2021 victory over Egypt on penalties. They had previously lost in the finals in 2002 and 2019.