From teammate to executioner: Senegal Star stands in the way of the friends he once lifted trophies with | OneFootball

Extra-time thunderbolt delivers second title in three tournaments

From teammate to executioner: Senegal Star stands in the way of the friends he once lifted trophies with

Pape Gueye delivered Africa Cup of Nations glory to Senegal and crushed Morocco’s home dream scoring the decisive goal in dramatic 1 - 0 final in Rabat.

The defining moment arrived in the 94 minute of extra time. After tense, chaotic finale to normal time, Pape Gueye unleashed fierce strike from outside the box that flew past Bounou silencing the stadium and handing Senegal historic victory.

The twist carried personal weight. Just three year earlier, Gueye stood alongside Bounou & En-Nesyri as Sevilla teammates lifting the Europa League in 2023. This time, he stood in their way.

Morocco had been inches from glory. In stoppage time of regulation ,, Brahim Diaz missed decisive penalty seeing his Panenka attempt saved by Edouard Mendy.

The moment followed dramatic 14 minute stoppage after Senegal players briefly left pitch in protest over the spot kick decision,, with tensions spilling into the stands.

It was Sadio Mane who restored order. In the absence of suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Mane convinced his teammates to return urging calm and focus. Mendy’s save followed.

Then came Gueye’s thunderbolt

Midfielder Lamine Camara highlighted Mané’s authority:

This triumph marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three edition following their maiden crown in 2021.