AFCON final: Senegal triumph over Morocco as the African Champion
Agency Report
Senegal has been crowned champions of Africa after a tense and emotionally charged Africa Cup of Nations final, edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Played before a packed and pulsating crowd, the contest delivered high drama, tactical intensity and a decisive moment of individual brilliance that ultimately separated the two sides.
For ninety minutes, both teams cancelled each other out in a contest dominated by structure and discipline. Morocco, driven by home support, controlled possession and sought openings through their wide players, while Senegal remained compact, organised and patient, waiting for the right moment to strike. Clear chances were limited, and both goalkeepers commanded their areas with authority.
The match ignited late controversy when a penalty was awarded to Morocco deep into stoppage time following a lengthy VAR review. Tempers flared as Senegal briefly protested the decision, creating a rare and tense pause in play. When order was restored, Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the spot kick, only for Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to produce a superb save, keeping the contest level and forcing extra time.
Just three minutes into the additional period, Senegal found their breakthrough. Midfielder Pape Gueye collected possession at the edge of the area, shifted the ball away from his marker and unleashed a powerful left footed strike into the top corner. The finish was precise, confident and unstoppable, sending the Senegalese bench into celebration and silencing the home crowd.
Morocco pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, pushing bodies forward and delivering crosses into the penalty area, but Senegal’s defence held firm with composure and resilience. As the final whistle sounded, Senegal’s players collapsed in joy, sealing a hard-earned continental title built on discipline, belief and decisive execution.
The footage from the final reveals a match shaped as much by emotional control as technical quality. Senegal’s calm response after the penalty drama demonstrated mental strength, while Gueye’s winning goal highlighted the value of midfield intelligence and shooting confidence under pressure. Morocco’s dominance in possession showed tactical maturity, yet the inability to convert late opportunities exposed the thin margins that define championship football. The final stands as a powerful reminder that titles are won not only through flair, but through composure, timing and resilience at the defining moments.
Meanwhile, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday, 19 January 2026, as a public holiday across Senegal in celebration of the nation’s Africa Cup of Nations victory. The day has been declared off, non-working, and fully paid for workers nationwide.
The decision follows the historic AFCON success, which sparked nationwide celebrations and pride among Senegalese citizens at home and abroad. The president said the holiday is a way to honour the players, coaching crew, and supporters who made the achievement possible.
With streets expected to be filled with celebrations, Senegal joins a long list of African nations that have marked major football triumphs with national holidays, underlining the unifying power of the game.
