The glamorous city of Rabat was ready to host the grand finale of Africa’s mundial at the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in the nation capital.
A befitting closing ceremony to the action packed campaign was held minutes before kickoff, with stunning performances from Hollywood star Idris Elba and Africa’s very own Angelique Kidjo. Morocco looked forward to winning their first AFCON title since 1976, having come close a couple of times. Senegal, on the other hand were on the verge of winning their first title in 5 years and the second in the country’s history.
The danger men for both countries, Yousef En Nesyri and Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye rose up to the occasion with glorious chances coming their way, only to be met with brilliant saves from Edouard Mendy and Yaccine Bounou.
The game was tough one, but as the saying goes,”The best is always saved for the last.” On the 98th minute of the game, a controversial penalty kick was awarded to the Atlas lions by Congolese official, Jean Jacques Ndala, and that was things turned really sour. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch as they didn’t agree with Ndala’s decision. It took the heroics and outstanding leadership of the Teranga lions skipper, Sadio Mane to order his players back onto the field of play and “play like men”. After about 15 minutes of game hold up, Brahim Diaz stood behind the spot kick with a lot pressure and expectation on his shoulders, took a deep breath, ran up to the ball………………and missed. A failed Panenka attempt drew a rather easy save from Mendy.
The game went into extra time and with Pape Gueye’s late strike, there just wasn’t a way AFCON title, but for Walid Regragui’s side the dream is still alive. A sad night in Rabat and a very unexpected and perhaps controversial end to such a momentous tournament.