Senegal lift AFCON in dramatic final after Panenka miss and chaos
Senegal lift AFCON in dramatic final after Panenka miss and chaos
Senegal clinches AFCON in Rabat after a chaotic finale featuring a late penalty, a missed Panenka by Morocco, and a decisive extra-time goal.
Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium hosted a nervy Africa Cup of Nations final that spiraled from tense football to chaos. After 90 minutes of goalless football, a late VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal players stood on the edge of the pitch and walked off in protest as fans in the stands began clashing with security. The referee halted play for almost 20 minutes before it could resume.
Diaz stepped up and tried a Panenka, but Edouard Mendy guessed right and pushed the ball aside, keeping Senegal alive.
When play resumed in extra time, Senegal produced a calm and efficient response. In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye fired in the decisive goal, and Senegal celebrated lifting the trophy for the second time. Earlier, Senegal had questions about a disallowed goal, and the coach admitted that sending the players back on was a mistake, apologizing for the heat of the moment.
Senegal's victory comes four years after their first AFCON title in Cameroon, and the night will be remembered for its drama almost as much as for the triumph. The team and fans will hope the focus returns to football as the celebration begins.
