It was a tough moment between the top-two ranked African countries on the continent in Rabat.
The battle which ended goalless in the first half of the highly competitive match was characterized by anxiety on both sides.
The second half also ended goalless as the refree disallowed Ismaila Sarr’s header which would have made a difference, for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.
In the 97th minute, the Atlas Lions were awarded a controversial penalty. After a lot of tension, which saw the Senegalese players walk off the pitch, Brahim Diaz saw his feeble shot saved by goal keeper Eduoard Mendy.
After endless struggles by both teams to outclass each other, the Senegalese team finally got the only goal of the match beautifully scored by Pape Gueye. And all efforts by the Moroccan team, led by Arcraf Hakimi, to equalize proved abortive.
At the end of the 30 minutes extra time, the Atlas Lions couldn't make any difference. They, however, left disappointed and emotionally down as the hope of their country to host and win the tournament became dashed.
Apart from winning the coveted trophy, Senegalese Sadio Mane was awarded Man of the Match for his undisputed and charismatic intelligence displayed throughout the tournament, especially his leadership quality during the chao that almost marred the final of the historic tournament.
However, the Moroccan team was awarded fair play of the tournament received by Hakimi. Also, best goal keeper of the tournament went to Moroccan Bono while the golden boot award was received by Brahim Diaz of same team.
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