Senegal wins Africa Cup of Nations after extra-time victory over Morocco

Save as PDF 

Rabat, Jan 18, 2026 – Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time in a tense final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@dw-demosnewstaion.online 

The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides struggling to convert their chances in a tightly contested encounter watched by more than 60,000 spectators.

Morocco pressed forward in the second half, creating several scoring opportunities, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

The decisive moment came in the 104th minute when midfielder Pape Gueye fired a powerful long-range shot into the net, breaking the deadlock and sparking celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters.

The final was briefly overshadowed by controversy late in regulation time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review. Senegal’s players protested the decision, but the spot-kick was missed, allowing the match to go into extra time.

Senegal held firm after taking the lead, maintaining their defensive shape until the final whistle to secure the trophy.

The victory marks Senegal’s second continental title, following their first triumph in 2021, and confirms their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.