Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has offered insight into his team’s response after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco during the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. Senegal went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time thanks to Pape Gueye’s decisive strike, but only after significant disruption and psychological twists that reshaped the game.
Gueye revealed that immediately following the contentious penalty decision, which sparked protests and a temporary walk-off by Senegal’s players and staff, he spoke with head coach Pape Thiaw about the situation. “I went to the coach and said to him: ‘Imagine if they missed the penalty!’ We laughed a little, then he said: ‘Alright, we will keep playing, accept the decision, and see what happens,’” Gueye said, highlighting the need to stay mentally resilient under pressure.
Gueye said the mood shifted dramatically after Morocco’s Brahim Díaz failed to convert the late penalty, with Senegal interpreting the miss as a psychological blow to their opponents. The midfielder explained that his side then changed their tactical approach: “We started playing long balls, pressing at the right moments, and we scored the goal at the perfect time,” referring to Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner.
The captain also detailed how Senegal responded once they took the lead, emphasising defensive organisation and opportunistic attacking. “After that, we had to be defensively strong and try to play on the counter-attack,” he said, adding that while Senegal had chances to extend their advantage, their priority was to **see out the victory**.
Senegal’s dramatic final was marked by wider controversy, from the disallowed goal before the penalty call to the extended delay while officials and players argued, and Gueye’s comments underline how the team sought to maintain focus amid those pressures. Senegal’s triumph secured their second AFCON title in three editions and triggered spirited celebrations at home.
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