Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, by beating Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. The match was goalless at half-time and full-time, with neither side creating many clear chances during the first 90 minutes.
The game turned chaotic late in normal time. In second-half stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR check for a foul on Brahim Diaz. The decision caused angry scenes on the pitch and in the stands. Senegal players walked off temporarily, benches emptied, and fans tried to enter the field, forcing a long delay. When play finally resumed, Diaz took the penalty after waiting around 17 minutes. Under huge pressure, he attempted a Panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stayed still and caught the ball easily.
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal took the lead. Pape Gueye surged forward from midfield, shrugged off Achraf Hakimi, and fired a powerful left-foot shot into the top corner, with the ball clipping the underside of the bar on the way in. That goal proved decisive.
Morocco pushed hard to equalise. Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar with a header from a corner, and Youssef En-Nesyri headed narrowly wide. Senegal also had chances to extend the lead, but Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou made key saves. The match ended amid heavy rain and continued crowd trouble, with police separating players from supporters.
This win gave Senegal their second AFCON title, following their first in 2021. Sadio Mane, who had hinted this could be his last AFCON, lifted the trophy and was later named player of the match. For Morocco, the defeat meant their wait for a first AFCON title since 1976 continues, despite being the hosts and one of the tournament favourites.
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