Rabat, 19 January (H.S.): Senegal claimed the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title by defeating host Morocco 1-0 in the final on Sunday, January 18. Pape Gueye's decisive extra-time goal secured victory, but the match grabbed headlines for a controversial penalty and ugly on- and off-field incidents.

The most dramatic moment unfolded in the 24th minute of injury time when Morocco earned a penalty. After a VAR review confirmed a foul on Brahim Diaz inside the box, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the spot-kick.

However, following nearly 20 minutes of chaos and protests, Diaz's weak chip shot was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.Senegal's players and fans erupted over the penalty call. Several players began walking off the pitch, while Senegal supporters in one section of the stadium hurled chairs and objects, attempting to invade the field.

Police and stewards intervened to restore order.

Earlier, a Senegal goal had sparked controversy when Ismaila Sarr's rebound strike after Abdoulaye Seck's header in the second minute of injury time was disallowed for a foul.Buoyed by the save, Senegal grew in confidence and struck the winner in the fourth minute of extra time. Sadio Mane won the ball in midfield and fed it via Idrissa Gueye to Pape Gueye.

The Villarreal midfielder shrugged off Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi before rifling a superb shot into the top corner.The goal stunned the 66,526 packed into Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, delivering a hammer blow to the home fans.

Brahim Diaz was immediately substituted afterward. Morocco had a chance to equalize, but Nayef Aguerd's header in extra time's second half struck the crossbar.Morocco dreamed of a second AFCON title on home soil after 50 years, but that aspiration shattered.

Senegal squandered a chance to make it 2-0 in the final moments when Cherif Ndiaye missed, yet held firm.This marks Senegal's second AFCON title in the last three editions. They previously beat Egypt on penalties in 2022 for their first triumph.

Notably, this was Senegal's first-ever goal in an AFCON final, having failed to score in their previous three.Investigations into the match's ugly incidents will now focus on Senegal's team, its supporters, and Morocco's organizers.

Senegal now heads to the United States for June's World Cup, hoping star Sadio Mane will commit to another AFCON after hinting this could be his last.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar