Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time to win AFCON, with the final marred by a long penalty delay and fan disturbances.
SENEGAL stunned Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations final 1-0 after extra time in a match overshadowed by disgraceful scenes.
Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute to secure Senegal’s second continental title in three editions.
The final was marred by a chaotic 20-minute delay late in normal time following a controversial penalty award to Morocco.
Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the spot-kick after a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz in the eighth minute of added time.
Diaz saw his weak chipped penalty easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after the long delay.
Senegal players and fans reacted with fury to the penalty decision, with some supporters throwing objects and attempting to enter the pitch.
Police and stewards contained the disturbances before the penalty was taken in front of 66,526 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Senegal had earlier been angered by a disallowed goal in the second added minute of normal time.
The galvanised side scored soon after the penalty miss, with Gueye firing a superb strike into the top corner.
Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd headed against the crossbar in the second half of extra time but could not force a shootout.
The hosts were dreaming of a first AFCON title in 50 years in front of their own supporters.
Senegal’s victory marks their first goal scored in an AFCON final after failing to net in three previous appearances.
Star forward Sadio Mane, who provided the assist for the winner, declared the final would be his last tournament game.
The Lions of Teranga now look ahead to the World Cup in the United States in June.
Any investigation will focus on the conduct of Senegal’s team and fans, as well as potential shortcomings by Moroccan organisers.
