Senegal have been crowned champions of Africa for a second time after a chaotic and controversial final against hosts Morocco ended in a 1-0 victory on Monday, 19 January 2026.
Walk-Off Protest Mars Finale
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat descended into extraordinary scenes deep into second-half stoppage time. With the score goalless, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute after a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
This decision, coming just minutes after a Senegal goal by Ismaila Sarr was controversially disallowed, sparked fury. Led by their coach Pape Thiaw, the majority of the Senegalese squad walked off the pitch in protest. The incident also triggered scuffles involving substitutes and coaches, with Morocco's Walid Regragui attempting to restore calm.
Drama From the Spot and a Late Winner
After a delay of 14 minutes, the Senegalese players were persuaded to return by captain Sadio Mane. The drama continued as Morocco's Brahim Diaz took the resulting penalty, the last kick of normal time, only to see his weak, chipped effort comfortably saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The reprieve galvanised Senegal, who scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time. Midfielder Pape Gueye swept a left-footed shot into the top right corner to secure the trophy. "We really wanted to win here," Gueye said. "It was a very difficult match but we gave everything."
Reaction to a Fractious Final
The victory sparked wild celebrations among the Senegalese players and fans, but the manner of the win was overshadowed by the preceding chaos. Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed his profound disappointment. "We are really disappointed for all the Moroccan people," he stated. "When you get a penalty in the last minute, you can see victory very close, but in the end football catches up with you."
He extended congratulations to Senegal but added, "even if what we showed of African football was disappointing, given everything that happened when the penalty was awarded." The final will be remembered as much for its unprecedented walk-off and controversy as for Pape Gueye's match-winning moment of quality.
