Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title with a dramatic 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a final marred by controversy, protests and extraordinary scenes late in the game. The match took a chaotic turn in the dying moments of normal time when Morocco were awarded a late penalty following a tussle in the box involving Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz. Head coach Pape Thiaw, incensed by the call, ordered his players off the pitch in protest. Moments later, Díaz went down under a challenge from El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading to the controversial penalty award. Within five minutes of the restart, Senegal struck the decisive blow through Pape Gueye, giving the West Africans the lead.

Source: Daily Mail January 18, 2026 22:17 UTC