Gueye’s screamer hands Senegal historic AFCON crown

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa on Sunday night after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a tense and dramatic final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2026.

The final, played before a raucous crowd, was settled by a moment of brilliance in the first half of extra time, when Pape Gueye struck a stunning long-range effort to finally break Morocco’s resistance after 94 minutes of stalemate.

The midfielder surged past two challenges and curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Bono with no chance.

It was a contest defined by intensity, controversy and fine margins. Morocco, buoyed by home support, thought they had been handed a golden opportunity to win the match in stoppage time of regulation when the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review.

However, Brahim Díaz failed to capitalise, his tame spot-kick comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, a moment that swung momentum decisively in Senegal’s favour.

Both sides created chances in a gripping encounter. Morocco came agonisingly close in extra time when Nayef Aguerd’s towering header crashed against the crossbar, while Youssef En-Nesyri missed a pair of gilt-edged opportunities that could have changed the outcome.

At the other end, Senegal pressed relentlessly, with Cherif Ndiaye and Pape Gueye repeatedly testing Bono, who produced several outstanding saves to keep the hosts in contention.

The match was also punctuated by fierce tackles, stoppages and a flurry of yellow cards as emotions threatened to boil over, reflecting the enormous stakes of the occasion. Yet Senegal showed composure and tactical discipline, absorbing pressure before striking at the decisive moment.

For Senegal, the victory marks a significant milestone, reaffirming their status as a dominant force in African football.

Having come through a bruising knockout run, they combined resilience, organisation and moments of attacking quality to outlast a highly fancied Moroccan side on home soil.

Morocco, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances and the failure to convert from the penalty spot, as dreams of lifting the continental title in front of their own fans slipped away.