THE Senegalese won their second Total- Africa of Nations trophy 2025.
This follows the dramatic win 1-0 over the host Morocco, at the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, on Sunday.
Pape Gueye’s extra-time thunder of a shot handed his team the win.
Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco with a controversial spot-kick in the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal time as ugly scenes broke out in the stands.
But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted ‘Panenka’ chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay that followed the penalty award.
The delay was as a result of Senegal team walking out of the pitch to the changeroom, following a controversial moment when what was supposed to have been a goal by Senegal, was not given.
And guess who had to man-up, the talisman and captain Sadio Mane, who ordered his teammates to return on the pitch.
“Just before the penalty we thought we should have had a goal and the referee didn’t go to VAR,” said match-winner Gueye, who added that Sadio Mane had urged the team to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.
“We had a feeling of injustice,” he said.
“Sadio told us to come back on and we remobilised. Edouard then made the save, we stayed focused, got the goal and won the game,” said the lanky Gueye.
Irate Senegal fans threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play in protest, but the large contingent of police stopped them on their tracks.
‘The Lions of Teranga’ first clinched the cup in 2022 by beating Egypt on penalties.
Albeit we salute Senegal, who have been given a national day-off, they will have to face serious consequences for bringing the tourney into disrepute for storming out of the pitch.
Image (African Kings. Senegal players and captain Sadio Mane hoisting aloft the AFCON Cup, after beating host Morocco, last night).
