Morocco’s dream of ending a near half-century wait for Africa Cup of Nations glory was shattered on Sunday night as Senegal edged a dramatic final 1–0 after extra time in Rabat.

Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions pushed relentlessly for a historic second continental title. Instead, they were left in tears as the reigning champions once again showed their steel on the biggest stage.

The final was a tense, finely balanced contest that remained goalless after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in a match heavy with expectation and emotion. The defining moments came deep into stoppage time and extra time, turning hope into heartbreak for the hosts.

In the 93rd minute, Morocco were handed a lifeline when a VAR review awarded them a penalty. The stadium held its breath as Brahim Díaz stepped up, attempting a bold Panenka. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, however, stood firm, reading the effort perfectly and producing a save that swung the momentum decisively.

Just three minutes into extra time, Senegal struck the decisive blow. Pape Gueye collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a fierce left-footed drive into the top corner, silencing the Rabat crowd and sending the Teranga Lions’ bench into wild celebration.

Morocco threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Nayef Aguerd came agonisingly close, his powerful header crashing against the crossbar, but Senegal’s defence held firm to secure a second successive AFCON title.

For Morocco, the defeat is a painful reminder of how elusive continental success has been. Despite their rise to the top of African football rankings and a historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, their only AFCON triumph remains the 1976 tournament, won in a round-robin format rather than a traditional final.

This was just their second appearance in an AFCON final since 2004, and the loss means the Atlas Lions’ long wait for continental glory will stretch on, at least until 2027.

As the celebrations belonged to Senegal once more, Morocco were left to reflect on a night when history felt close enough to touch, but ultimately slipped through their fingers.