The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), a prestigious soccer tournament that crowns the best team in Africa, returned with its 34th edition, taking place in Morocco. This year’s competition marks a significant shift in schedule to align with other international tournaments. The final match delivered on all fronts, providing an intense spectacle for sports enthusiasts.
However, the road to the final was marred by controversy and discomfort for the Senegal national team. Prior to their crucial match against Morocco, Senegal raised serious concerns about their accommodations. The team faced logistical issues, lacking a designated place to stay and suitable training facilities. In addition to these challenges, they encountered transportation difficulties, having to travel by train from Rangier to Rabat—a journey that spanned between two to five hours—due to the absence of provided bus services.
The final was charged with emotion as Senegal faced the Moroccan team, buoyed by the support of approximately 67,000 passionate fans and fueled by a 49-year and 10-month AFCON title drought. From the outset, the match was marked by tense action and missed opportunities from both teams. In the early minutes, Senegal’s Papa Gueye nearly found the back of the net, only to be thwarted by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The first half concluded in a stalemate, with both sides unable to break the deadlock despite several promising chances.
As the match progressed into the second half, Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi faced a critical opportunity to score but came up short, with Senegal’s defense blocking his attempts. In a dramatic twist, Senegal appeared to have scored in the dying minutes of the match with a header from Ismail Sarr to Lamine Camara, only to see the goal disallowed for a foul by Sarr.
The tension escalated when a foul was called against Senegal, awarding Morocco a penalty kick, which sparked protests from the Senegalese players and coaching staff who highlighted the earlier disallowed goal. In an unprecedented turn of events, the Senegalese team momentarily left the field in protest, but they returned after a call from star player Sadio Mane.
In the decisive moment of the match, Morocco’s Ibrahim Diaz took the penalty. Attempting a panenka—a subtle flick that often proves tricky for goalkeepers—Diaz’s shot lacked sufficient power and was saved, leaving the match unresolved at full-time.
It took a stunning counterattack in extra time for Senegal to claim victory. Gana Gueye delivered a pinpoint pass to Papa Gueye, who skillfully maneuvered past Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box, sealing a hard-fought win for Senegal.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the resilience and talent of the Senegalese squad but also highlighted the challenges faced by teams in international competition. As the dust settles on this remarkable final, it is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sport and the passionate spirit that embodies the African Cup of Nations. The triumph of Senegal serves as a hopeful reminder of the rewards that come with perseverance and teamwork, paving the way for a promising future in African football.