Senegal Triumphs 1-0 Over Morocco In AFCON 2026 Final Amid Huge Controversy
Senegal wins the AFCON 2026 final 1-0 vs Morocco after a walk-off protest over a disputed penalty; Pape Gueye scores in extra time.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 final descended into controversy and chaos on Sunday as Senegal edged past hosts Morocco in a dramatic summit clash marked by disputed refereeing decisions, a disallowed goal, and an unprecedented on-field protest.
Tensions were high even before kickoff, with the Senegal camp publicly expressing concerns over possible officiating bias in favour of the hosts. Those fears appeared to intensify during the match when Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr saw what he believed was a winning goal ruled out after the referee blew for a foul just moments before the ball crossed the line—a decision that drew furious reactions from players and staff.
The controversy deepened later in the game when Morocco was awarded a penalty under contentious circumstances. The decision sparked a temporary walkout by Senegal’s players, led by captain Sadio Mané, who refused to resume play until officials intervened. Television footage also showed heated arguments near the goal area, including an unusual scuffle involving the Moroccan goalkeeper’s towel, adding to the surreal scenes.
Also Read: Morocco Coach Labels AFCON Final Scenes Shameful After Senegal Protest and Missed Penalty
After order was restored, the final was pushed into extra time with emotions running high on both sides. Senegal eventually found the decisive breakthrough when Pape Gueye scored the lone goal, sealing a 1-0 victory and clinching the AFCON 2026 title despite the storm of protests and interruptions.
Morocco’s players and fans were left disappointed, while Senegal celebrated amid lingering debate over the officiating. Social media and football pundits quickly dissected the referee’s decisions, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in major international tournaments.
Despite the controversy, Senegal’s triumph reinforced their status as a dominant force in African football. However, the unprecedented scenes from the AFCON 2026 final are likely to fuel discussions about refereeing standards long after the trophy celebrations fade.
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