African Cup Final: Senegal – Morocco
A final that will be talked about for years to come. Senegal has been crowned winner of the African Cup of Nations for the second time. This after a crazy revolution in the absolute final seconds of regular playing time. A goal by Senegal was disallowed and Morocco received a light penalty. The Senegalese briefly thought about a boycott, but still saw Diaz miss painfully. Pape Gueye decided the game in extra time with a rocket. The host country was left devastated.
Goal
94′ Gueye: 1-0
Have we ever seen a finale with a crazier ending?
The dream final match between Senegal and Morocco – the two top favorites – suddenly had everything a football fan could dream of. A disallowed goal, a VAR penalty in minute 90+8′, a failed panenka and a bolt to open extra time.
We take you to minute 90+2′ in the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat – the start of the crazy final phase and of the Senegalese anger.
Ex-Antwerp player Seck hits the crossbar at 0-0, but in the restart Sarr still heads in the winning goal for Senegal. Anyway, that’s what everyone thought, but the ref ruled it out for a slight pushing error.
To top it all off, the ball hit the spot on the other side in minute 90+8′. Another slight mistake, but the VAR saw enough in it for a Moroccan penalty. At Senegal they went crazy.
For fifteen minutes they even threatened to move in. A boycott, because they felt robbed and would see the Africa Cup slip through their fingers.
The Senegalese were furious.
Doll
Well, you guessed it: there was another plot twist to the whole story. After the endless protest between and next to the lines, Brahim Diaz was still allowed to kick the penalty.
A panenka in minute 90+24′, could it have been better? Only Senegal goalkeeper Mendy had seen through his evil plan. He stood still and was able to collect the penalty as if it was nothing.
The ground gave way under Brahim Diaz’s feet.
Brahim Diaz tried a panenka.
Dreamed final chord
Then extra time, and another twist soon awaited.
Pape Gueye got some space in the center and beautifully nailed Senegal’s 1-0 into the far top corner. It was the final chord that deserved a finale like this.
Morocco did everything they could, but saw how the 1-1 exploded on the frame. On the other side, Cherif Ndiaye missed the chance for redemption.
This meant that nothing changed in the 1-0 final score. No second Africa Cup for the host country, 50 years after the first triumph.
Senegal will have a big party – and they will be so happy that they didn’t go in after that penalty. Sadio Mane and co. are celebrating their second ever overall victory, after the 2021 triumph.
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The Moroccans can’t believe it and lie stretched out against the canvas. They were so close and can’t hold back their tears. Brahim Diaz had the final victory at his feet, but ended his panenka in the hands of Mendy.
End of match: Senegal wins the Africa Cup!
Morocco has not succeeded in bringing the home crowd into ecstasy for the first time in 50 years. It is Senegal that wins the African Cup of Nations for the second time in history, after 2021, after a sensational match.
The Senegalese bench is on the sidelines full of anticipation. They feel that this can hardly escape them anymore.
We get 3 minutes extra time. The home crowd tries to rally behind Morocco for one last time. Will it be a huge hangover for Rabat?
Minute 120
Morocco desperately tries to threaten Mendy’s goal, but a stray cross ends up in the hands of the Senegalese goalkeeper. He takes the moment to lie down for a few seconds.
Tension is now increasing everywhere. The rain makes this even easier. Is the home country heading for a huge hangover? Brahim Diaz just had the gigantic opportunity from eleven meters to send his country to a triumph, but he did so with a panenka. Incredible.
Gueye sends a cannonball towards Bounou’s fists from about 30 meters. He works the ball into a corner kick.
Morocco realizes that it has to be done. The ten field players are now camping in the Senegalese half, but are again confronted by a strong defense. We are now at minute 115. Time is running out.
Bounou keeps Morocco straight!
Cherif Ndiaye can decide the match twice! Bounou pulls off two world saves to keep Ndiaye off the goal. This could have been the decision, but Bounou shows his class again here.
Morocco pumps and keeps sending the ball forward. Akhomach gets a free kick after a foul. Something between a cross and a shot ends up in Mendy’s hands.
On the bar!
Another Moroccan corner ends in a pinball, with Aguerd heading onto the crossbar. Further attempts do not get past a Senegalese body. The match certainly hasn’t been played yet!
Morocco gets a corner early and Hakimi stands behind the ball. El Yamiq can kick from a difficult position, but not on target.
Start second extension
El Aynaoui kicks off the second extension. He is still on the field, with a large bandage around his head. We almost forgot.
End of first half extra time
Another 15 minutes of extra time separate us from the end. Or can Morocco still pull off a penalty shootout? The first extra time certainly resulted in a beautiful goal from Gueye.
It has now started to rain. This only adds even more to the images full of drama in Rabat. A cold shower for the host country? The first half of overtime is almost over.
Opportunity on the other side
Ibrahim Mbaye makes his way towards Bounou and can aim for a shot, but it is blocked. It gets quite warm on both sides.
