An incredible final. Between the XXL quality of play, two teams trading blows, and the dramatic end-of-regulation scenario, it was a true thriller that crowned the Lions of Teranga.
A final for a second AFCON title. Moroccans and Senegalese shared the same quest as they stepped onto the pitch at the Rabat Stadium. And in this match, it was Senegal who started better. Facing a shaky Morocco in possession, Senegal controlled the game and came close to opening the scoring from a corner through Pape Gueye. But Yassine Bounou made the save and was also decisive in a one-on-one against Illiman Ndiaye. Morocco struggled to create chances, and when they did manage to break out, the moves were poorly executed, as illustrated by El Kaabi’s actions.
After halftime, Morocco woke up and began to dominate possession. But El Kaabi missed two chances: one from a magical cross by Bilal El Khannous, and another from point-blank range. And as regulation time drew to a close, the match took on an extraordinary dimension.
First, Ismaïla Sarr’s goal was disallowed following a slight shove by Abdoulaye Seck on Hakimi. A light foul that could not be reviewed by VAR, as the referee had already blown the whistle before the goal. Then, from a corner for Morocco, Diouf lightly pulled Diaz inside the box, and after a long moment of hesitation, the referee went to the VAR monitor and awarded a penalty.
After that, the irrational took over. Feeling wronged by the refereeing decision, Senegal left the pitch at the initiative of their coach. An unbelievable scene on a football field, as Senegal created a moment of chaos.
And in an act of bravery, Senegal captain Sadio Mané stood up against the sense of injustice overwhelming his teammates and brought them back. “We’re going to play like men,” said the Senegal captain as he urged his players to return.
And as the penalty was confirmed and authorized to be taken, Brahim Diaz missed in unbelievable fashion a unique chance to deliver the trophy to his country, with a completely failed Panenka.
After that, Senegal scored through Pape Gueye and completely sealed their triumph. Sadio Mané lifted his second Africa Cup of Nations trophy and entered the realm of legend.
The entire The Soccer Legends team sends its congratulations to Senegal and the Senegalese people for their triumph.