Senegal Seizes AFCON Glory: A Final Marred by Drama That Won't Stop Echoing

Background and Controversy

Morocco's football federation said it will file a legal protest over the conditions surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final, which concluded tonight. The Senegal national team clinched the title by beating Morocco 1-0 after extra time.

BeIN Sports reported that the Moroccan federation intends to object to the withdrawal of most Senegalese players from the pitch during the match.

Final Action and Aftermath

The final was marked by officiating controversy, as Senegal players left the field after a penalty awarded to the Atlas Lions in the closing minutes of regular time.

Senegal's coach Bab Thiou disputed the decision, arguing it was wrong, criticized the non-award of a goal for the Teranga Lions earlier, and complained about a foul on Morocco's Hakimi.

Officials defended their decisions, and players returned to the field on the instruction of captain and star Sadio Mané, before they scored the winning goal in the first extra period, preserving the lead until the final whistle, ending Morocco's quest for a continental title for a second time and first since 50 years, punchline: if drama counted as goals, Morocco would be champions.