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Pape Gueye Breaks His Silence on the AFCON Final: “We Thought It Wasn’t Fair”
The goal that decided the final came after chaos. Pape Gueye recalled the most tense moments in Rabat and revealed what happened before the penalty that could have changed everything.
An Unforgettable Final in Rabat
The Africa Cup of Nations final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will forever remain etched in African football history. Senegal claimed their second continental title after defeating Morocco in extra time (1-0), but the match was defined by tension, controversy, and a very real threat of abandonment.
Everything erupted in stoppage time when a Senegalese goal was ruled out in the 92nd minute and, moments later, the referee awarded a highly controversial penalty in favor of Morocco for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. The decision sparked outrage within Pape Thiaw’s squad.
“We Thought It Wasn’t Fair”
The hero of the night, Pape Gueye, who scored the decisive goal in extra time, revisited those moments in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE. The Villarreal midfielder was brutally honest about the chaos.
“We thought it wasn’t fair, and we all went to the locker room,” Gueye admitted, confirming that several Senegal players actually left the pitch in protest.
The final was on the brink of collapse, with the outcome of the tournament hanging in the balance.
Sadio Mané’s Decisive Intervention
Just as the match threatened to spiral out of control, the captain stepped in. Sadio Mané took charge and altered the course of history.
“Sadio Mané told us: ‘Let’s continue the match,’” Gueye revealed.
The midfielder explained that he stayed on the pitch alongside Mané while part of the squad was still in the tunnel. Shortly after, Édouard Mendy saved the penalty taken by Brahim Díaz, restoring belief for Senegal. Minutes later, Pape Gueye’s goal sealed the title.
Respect for Brahim Díaz After the Miss
Far from criticism or mockery, Gueye showed empathy toward Brahim Díaz, the unfortunate figure in Morocco’s most painful moment.
“It’s a shame for him and for the country,” the Senegal international said.
The former Olympique de Marseille midfielder was clear in his assessment:
“He’s a great player and has the experience for those situations.”
From Chaos to Continental Glory
The final had everything: controversial decisions, raw emotion, leadership on the pitch, and a dramatic ending. Senegal regrouped at the most critical moment, finding their leaders in Mané, Mendy, and Pape Gueye.
A night that came close to scandal… but ended with the Lions of Teranga crowned champions of Africa.
