Africa Cup of Nations – Papu Gueye scores in extra time, Senegal defeats Morocco 1-0 to win the championship.

On January 18th local time, the final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations took place between Senegal and Morocco. Thanks to Papu Gueye's goal in extra time, Senegal ultimately defeated the hosts 1-0, securing their second title in club history.

Just five minutes into the game, Senegal took the initiative and launched the first attack: Lamin Camara delivered a corner kick from the left, and Papu Gueye's header at the far post was saved by Yassin Bono. The two sides then became locked in a stalemate, and the game became somewhat dull at times. In the 38th minute, Nossel Mazraoui's clearance error gave Iliman Ndiaye a one-on-one opportunity, but his low shot was brilliantly saved by Bono.

After the break, Morocco launched a counter-attack against Senegal. In the 58th minute, Bilal Hannos delivered a brilliant pass from the right wing, and Ayoub Kabi's powerful shot went just wide. In the 62nd minute, Kabi's shot from the left side of the penalty area was blocked by Mamadou Sarr, and Abd Ezalozoli's follow-up shot went wide to the right. In the 81st minute, Ashraf Hakimi's corner kick from the right was met by Ezalozoli at the far post, but his shot was saved by Edouard Mendy. In the 90th minute, Nicolas Jackson crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and Gueye's follow-up shot was saved by Bono.

The second half stoppage time saw a dramatic climax. In the second minute, Senegal scored from a corner kick with a header from Moussa Nyaket, but the goal was disallowed because Abdoulaye Sek had pushed Achraf Hakimi beforehand. In the fifth minute, Al-Haji Dioff pushed Brahim Diaz during a corner kick, and the referee awarded a penalty after reviewing VAR. This decision immediately sparked strong protests from the Senegalese team, with players even retreating to the locker room in a state of protest. Only after key player Sadio Mane's strong persuasion was the interrupted match resumed.

After the match resumed, Diaz attempted a Panenka penalty, but Mendy made a comfortable save. Senegal escaped elimination, and the two sides were forced into extra time with the score still 0-0.

In the 94th minute, Idrissa Gueye delivered a through ball from midfield, and Papu Gueye made a long run into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot into the net. Senegal thus secured the victory, ultimately defeating Morocco 1-0.