"Morocco have never made any secret of their desire to write history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, although never in their wildest dreams could they - or any of us, quite frankly - imagine how the continental showpiece would conclude, amidst acrimony, animosity, accusation, as two footballing brothers almost provoked a diplomatic incident in Rabat. Of course, the hosts' ambitions are all in tatters."
"There has been no end to their 50-year wait to return to the pinnacle of the African game. There's been no fairytale title triumph on home soil. There's no crowning glory for FA President Faouzi Lekjaa, adored by his own people, summoned by the King, flanked by Gianni Infantino and Dr Patrice Motsepe, as this 15-year vision came to its realisation on January 18, 2026."
"Let's get the grand lines over with first; Senegal won the title, their second in the last three tournaments, their second ever, with Pape Gueye scoring a thunderous winner in extra time as Morocco missed a last-minute penalty to miss the chance to win it in 90 minutes...or, at least, the 20th minute of second-half stoppage time. But such were the stormy storylines of this one,"
Morocco failed to secure the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, extending a 50-year wait to return to African football’s pinnacle. Senegal won their second AFCON with Pape Gueye scoring a thunderous extra-time winner after Morocco missed a last-minute penalty during extended stoppage time. The final featured chaotic and contentious closing moments, with two penalty decisions sparking near-abandonment of the match and provoking acrimony and accusations. FA President Faouzi Lekjaa, the King, Gianni Infantino and Patrice Motsepe were present in Rabat. The match outcome and title were overshadowed by controversy.
Read at ESPN.com
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