Senegal National Team Became African Football Champions, Winning in a Scandalous Final
The Senegal national team defeated the Morocco national team in a scandalous final and became African football champions. The final match of the Africa Cup of Nations took place in Moroccan Rabat. In extra time, the Senegalese managed to beat the tournament hosts 1:0, with the sole goal scored by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute.
Photo: AP Photo/Misper Apawu
The main time of the match ended in a loud scandal. In the eighth minute of added time, the referee awarded a penalty against Senegal, after which the team's head coach, disagreeing with the decision, ordered the players to leave the field. This caused unrest in the stands: some Senegalese fans ran onto the field and clashed with security.
The situation was calmed thanks to Senegal's national team leader Sadio Mané, who persuaded the team to return to the game. However, Moroccan Brahim Díaz, who plays for Real Madrid, subsequently failed to convert that ill-fated penalty, attempting to shoot in the style of the 'Panenka'. The Senegalese, however, later seized their chance.
For Senegal, this is the second victory in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations — the team previously won the title in 2021. Morocco, despite playing on home ground, lost in the final for the second time in its history.
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared January 19th a paid public holiday nationwide in honor of the championship.
The tournament's best player, Sadio Mané, announced after the final that he plans to end his career with the national team. The 33‑year-old forward played 124 matches for the Senegal team and scored 52 goals. At club level, he is best known for his performances for English 'Liverpool', where he scored 120 goals in 269 matches. Mané currently plays for Saudi 'Al-Nassr'.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Football Federation will appeal to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football due to the Senegal national team leaving the field in the final, believing that this episode significantly affected the course of the match and its outcome.
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