Senegal were crowned champions after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in a tense final, with Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner settling the contest. Senegal had anticipated the disruption after watching Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria, where Nwabali was repeatedly denied his towels. “We had already seen in the previous match how they enjoyed taking the towels from the Nigerian goalkeeper (Nwabali),” Diouf told BeInSports. “A Moroccan player ran after me trying to grab it, and then the ball boys and some officials also got involved. It was surreal.”In the end, Mendy stayed focused, saving a penalty in the last minute of regular time, and Senegal went on to win their second AFCON title.

Source: Punch January 25, 2026 15:20 UTC