Senegal survived a storm of controversy to stun hosts Morocco and lift their second Africa Cup of Nations crown in a final that nearly descended into abandonment.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and match-winner Pape Gueye etched their names into Senegalese folklore in a game remembered more for chaos than football.
Drama first erupted in the second minute of stoppage time when Senegal thought they had taken the lead through Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. However, the goal was ruled out after Abdoulaye Seck was judged to have fouled Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi in the build-up, pushing him to the ground before his header struck the post and fell to Sarr.
Controversy escalated further in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a highly debatable penalty. West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, a decision many felt was extremely soft.
The call sparked a mass confrontation between both teams, with Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw furiously instructing his players to walk off the pitch in protest. The squad initially followed his orders before Liverpool legend Sadio Mane stepped in to calm the situation and persuade his teammates to return.
Play eventually resumed after a lengthy delay, with order restored only in the 24th minute of stoppage time. Real Madrid star Diaz then stepped up to take the penalty but squandered the chance to deliver Morocco a second AFCON title, attempting a weak Panenka that Mendy comfortably collected.
Senegal finally found justice in the fourth minute of extra time. Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye released his namesake Pape Gueye in the centre of the pitch, and the Villarreal man produced a breathtaking run before cutting inside the box and unleashing a powerful strike past Yassine Bounou.
The goal sealed a dramatic and controversial victory for Senegal, who emerged champions despite one of the most chaotic finals in AFCON history.
