RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Senegal won the African Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion.
In Sunday’s chaotic final, Teranga Lions defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Pape Gueye, with fans at one point attempting to storm the field and Senegalese players walking off the pitch in protest of a penalty award in the final seconds of second-half stoppage time.
It appeared uncertain whether the match could continue as fans fought with the stewards.
However, play resumed after a 14-minute break and Brahim Dias’ attempt at a penalty from Panenka was effortlessly saved by Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, who usually took his last kick and hit it straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, slotting the ball into the top right corner with his left foot.
The 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium emptied quickly after the final whistle. Few people watched the Senegalese players lift the trophy.
It was Senegal’s second African Cup victory. Teranga Lions won the 2021 tournament after a penalty shootout against Egypt.
Senegal’s anger
Morocco were controversially awarded a penalty in stoppage time, shortly after Senegal had what looked like a good goal canceled at the other end, leading to chaos with Senegalese players being sent off the field before extra time.
Senegal’s goal was canceled out in the second minute of second-half stoppage time due to a foul on Abdoulaye Sek, but television replays showed there was little contact with Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, who fell before Seck could head the ball against the post. Moussa Niakate headed in the rebound.
Morocco then claimed a penalty for El Hadj Malik Diouf pulling Brahim, and Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndara checked the replay and the penalty was awarded.
The decision led to a scuffle between some of Morocco’s substitutes and their opponents, with Morocco coach Walid Reglagui joining the fray, presumably to calm the situation.
Anger spread among the organized Senegalese fans, many of whom, along with cameramen, jumped and tried to storm onto the field from behind the goal. At least one person threw a chair onto the field. They were mostly stopped by long lines of police.
Amid the chaos, a scuffle broke out in the press box, possibly involving Moroccan and Senegalese fans posing as journalists to gain accreditation.
players leave
Senegal coach Pape Thiau led his team off the field, but Moroccan fans celebrated the penalty decision and blew the match whistle on the field.
The players returned after about 14 minutes, but Brahim, Morocco’s star and the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, missed the chance to end Morocco’s 50-year trophy wait.
Brahim was whistled at by the remaining Moroccan fans as he went to collect his runner-up medal.
Instead, Gueye scored Senegal’s first goal in the final, not from a penalty goal, but from open play. This will be Senegal’s fourth appearance in the African Cup final.
Before the match, Senegalese Football Federation Moroccan host country criticizes lack of ‘fair play’ They cited a lack of security, the team’s hotel, training facilities and supporters’ ability to obtain tickets before the final.
In the case of Morocco, 2030 World Cup host countrydefeat is a demoralizing blow. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in soccer facilities and infrastructure. Driven by one of the most aggressive infrastructure developments in African sporting history October protests by mostly Moroccan youth People who feel that other areas are being neglected.
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
