Senegal are Africa Cup of Nations champions after a 1-0 win against Morocco in a chaotic final in Rabat. Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game with a thumping strike into the top corner in extra time. There were unprecedented scenes in second-half stoppage time as Brahim Diaz had a controversial penalty saved, awarded on VAR review after he was judged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf. Senegal players left the field in protest at that decision after a premature decision a few minutes prior ensured VAR could not intervene when Ismaila Sarr thought he had given his side the lead. Fans broke through hoardings in the stands in the wake of the penalty decision in the ninth minute of added time.

Source: International New York Times January 18, 2026 21:10 UTC