The curtain fell on one of the most thrilling and controversial African Cup of Nations finals in history, with Senegal claiming their second continental title after a tense match that ended 1-0 against Morocco following extra time.
The added time in the second half witnessed dramatic moments: a Senegalese goal was disallowed, and Morocco was awarded a penalty just two minutes from the end, triggering strong protests from the “Lions of Teranga,” who even threatened to walk off the pitch, causing a lengthy stoppage.
After play resumed, Morocco missed the decisive chance when Ibrahim Díaz failed to convert the penalty, before Bab Gaye scored the winning goal for Senegal in the first half of extra time, securing a historic victory in the heart of Rabat.
Why Morocco Lost the AFCON Title
This painful defeat for Morocco on home soil can be attributed to several key factors that collectively contributed to the “Atlas Lions” losing the championship.
Clear Senegalese Superiority
Senegal dominated the match technically, tactically, and physically, as reflected in the statistics: they held 61% possession, won most duels and aerial battles, and created more dangerous scoring opportunities.
Senegal’s players took 14 shots on target, seven of which were on goal, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making four crucial saves. Meanwhile, Morocco managed 20 attempts, only three of which were on target throughout the full 120 minutes.
Final Pressure and Experience in Big Matches
Senegal entered the match with the confidence and composure of experienced finalists, having played three finals in the last four editions and winning the title in 2021.
In contrast, Moroccan players showed visible tension, struggling to settle into the rhythm of the match and succumbing to the psychological pressure, which affected their performance and concentration, especially in the attacking third.
Physical Edge and Mental Presence
Senegalese players displayed exceptional physical fitness throughout the game, excelling in both offensive transitions and defensive recoveries, dominating aerial duels and tackles without showing signs of fatigue.
On the other hand, several Moroccan players struggled physically, particularly early in the match, with the effects of limited match fitness visible on players like Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Díaz, both returning from injuries.
