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Senegal vs Morocco live: Senegal win chaotic Afcon final after Diaz ‘Panenka’ miss and walk-off protest

Pape Gueye’s stunning goal in extra time won the Africa Cup of Nations final for Senegal – after hosts Morocco missed the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years as Brahim Diaz fluffed a ‘Panenka’ penalty following a controversial late decision that sparked an extraordinary protest from the Senegal team.
The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala when Diaz went down the box under the challenge of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal, who had an opening goal disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimin moments before, were outraged and the majority of the Senegal team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, stormed off the pitch, leading to a 14-minute delay.
When Senegal were convinced to come back onto the pitch by talisman Sadio Mane, Diaz, with the chance to win a historic Africa Cup of Nations title for the hosts Morocco in the 24th minute of stoppage time, chipped his penalty softly down the middle – resulting in the easiest of saves for goalkeeper Mendy.
The final then went to extra time, where Gueye scored a stunning goal to win Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years, in a final that will be remembered as one of the most chaotic international matches of all time.
Follow all the latest updates from the Afcon final below:
FULL-TIME! Senegal 1-0 Morocco
There is so much to unpack. Stay tuned for reaction from one of the most extraordinary, controversial and dramatic continental finals in football history.
Will Castle18 January 2026 22:01
FULL-TIME! Senegal 1-0 Morocco
Pape Gueye’s stunning goal in extra time won the Africa Cup of Nations final for Senegal – after hosts Morocco missed the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years as Brahim Diaz fluffed a ‘Panenka’ penalty following a controversial late decision that sparked an extraordinary protest from the Senegal team.
The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala when Diaz went down the box under the challenge of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal, who had an opening goal disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimin moments before, were outraged and the majority of the Senegal team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, stormed off the pitch, leading to a 14-minute delay.
When Senegal were convinced to come back onto the pitch by talisman Sadio Mane, Diaz, with the chance to win a historic Africa Cup of Nations title for the hosts Morocco in 24th minute of stoppage time, chipped his penalty softly down the middle – resulting in the easiest of saves for goalkeeper Mendy.
The final then went to extra time, where Gueye scored a stunning goal to win Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years, in a final that will be remembered as one of the most chaotic international matches of all time.

Will Castle18 January 2026 21:58
FULL-TIME! Senegal 1-0 Morocco
SENEGAL ARE THE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS CHAMPIONS!
Morocco’s dreams of a home title are crushed. A truly inconceivable final.
Will Castle18 January 2026 21:57
Senegal 1-0 Morocco
120+2 mins: Senegal have the ball in the corner.
Sadio Mane is punching the air. He can sense his team are nearly there.
Will Castle18 January 2026 21:55
Senegal 1-0 Morocco
120 mins: Mendy collects another Morocco cross and the dream is fading fast.
Will Castle18 January 2026 21:53
Senegal 1-0 Morocco
119 mins: Seats are emptying in Rabat, but Morocco still believe. It’s now or never for the hosts.
Will Castle18 January 2026 21:52
Senegal 1-0 Morocco
117 mins: First Pape, now Idrissa. The Everton midfielder catches the half-volley sweetly and sees his effort flash past the face of goal.
Will Castle18 January 2026 21:49
