The Teranga Lions of Senegal on Sunday night defeated host Morocco by a lone goal at extra time to emerge champions of Africa.
The Senegalese who stormed out the pitch a few minutes to the end of normal to protest a controversial penalty awarded by Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala returned to win the trophy.
Morocco star Brahim Diaz missed the 114th-minute penalty awarded against Senegal after consultation with VAR as the kick was stopped by Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
After the drama caused by the controversial penalty, Pape Gueye scored to give Senegal a 1-0 lead.
During the tension soaked match, the
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch and return to the dressing room.
While majority of the team members left the pitch of the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane made a spirited effort to get his team-mates back onto the pitch.
After minutes of pressure, the Senegalese team eventually returned to the pitch for Brahm Diaz to take the penalty in the he 114th minute.
He eventually played a weak shot into the waiting hands of the Senegalese goalkeeper.
