Senegal are African Cup winners again after 2022 and won the final against hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
Senegal had their first good opportunity to take the lead in the fourth minute of the game after a corner from N’Diaye, but Bono was able to fend off the ball.
As a result, both teams act cautiously and try to avoid mistakes. When opportunities arise, they are usually due to the opponent’s carelessness.
In the 38th minute, Senegal finally has their next big opportunity: Ndiaye runs alone towards the Moroccans’ goal after a precise hole pass, but Bono spreads out and parries the ball strongly.
Aguerd and El Kaabi with good chances
Aguerd narrowly misses the ball on the other side in the 40th minute. Senegal’s goalkeeper Mendy would probably have had no chance.
So it goes into halftime goalless, with hosts Morocco well served with the draw.
After the break, Morocco has a great chance to take the lead through El Kaabi, but he puts a cross from Stuttgart’s El Khannouss just wide of the goal (56th).
Heated final phase
Things get dramatic in the final phase: First, a Senegal goal doesn’t count due to a foul in the making, then Morocco is awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time after Brahim Diaz was fouled in the penalty area.
This decision caused massive protests in Senegal. The Senegalese team initially refuses to continue playing and leaves the pitch as a unit. Scandal at the Africa Cup! Senegal leaves the field during the game >>>
Brahim Díaz arrives 16 minutes late to take the penalty, but fails miserably: his failed Panenka attempt ends up in the hands of goalkeeper Mendy without any problems.
Gueye puts Senegal in the lead
So the game goes into extra time, in which Senegal takes the lead with the first chance.
Gueye slams the ball under the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area and makes it 1-0 (93′). As a result, Morocco tries to force the equalizer, but can no longer get past the Senegalese defense.
Senegal will be Africa Cup winners again after 2022. The scenes after the penalty whistle will probably still be discussed.
