分类： sports

In a stunning conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco during extra time, capturing their second continental title in three years. The match, however, was overshadowed by unprecedented scenes of controversy that culminated in Senegal’s temporary walk-off from the pitch.

The tension reached its peak in the 24th minute of added time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. The decision triggered immediate outrage from the Senegalese camp, with players staging a prolonged protest and eventually leaving the field in defiance. The situation escalated further as segments of Senegalese supporters engaged in violent clashes with security personnel, throwing objects and attempting to breach the playing area.

Real Madrid winger Díaz had the opportunity to clinch victory for the hosts but delivered a poorly executed ‘Panenka’ chip that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The missed penalty proved costly as Pape Gueye emerged as the match-winner just four minutes into extra time, unleashing a spectacular strike into the top corner after receiving a precise pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The victory marks Senegal’s successful defense of their AFCON title, achieved despite their historical struggle in tournament finals. Remarkably, Gueye’s goal represented Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final after failing to score in their three previous appearances.

For Morocco, the defeat represents a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, extending their wait for a second African championship to fifty years. Coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment with the match’s proceedings, stating: ‘Congratulations to Senegal, but the image we gave of African football is disappointing.’

The tournament concluded amid questions regarding spectator management and on-field discipline, with investigations likely to focus on the conduct of both teams and organizational protocols during the critical final moments.

In a stunning conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal secured their second continental title with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco. The match, played before 66,526 spectators at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was overshadowed by significant controversy and disruptive scenes that threatened to undermine the championship finale.

The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute when midfielder Pape Gueye unleashed a spectacular strike that soared past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the top corner. The winning sequence began with Sadio Mane winning possession in midfield before finding Idrissa Gana Gueye, who delivered the crucial pass to his namesake.

The match’s turning point occurred in the 24th minute of added time at the end of regulation when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty following a VAR review. The decision, which involved a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, triggered furious protests from Senegal’s players and supporters.

The ensuing chaos saw Senegal players temporarily leave the pitch while sections of their supporters threw objects and attempted to breach security barriers. Order was eventually restored by a substantial police and steward presence, after which Diaz’s weakly attempted penalty was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON championship in three tournaments, following their inaugural title victory against Egypt in 2022. For Morocco, the defeat represents a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, particularly as they sought to claim only their second African championship after a fifty-year drought.

Both teams created limited scoring opportunities throughout the tense encounter, reflecting the defensive quality that has established them as Africa’s top-ranked teams. Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar during extra time, while Senegal’s Cherif Ndiaye missed a late opportunity to extend their lead.

The tournament organizers and football authorities are expected to review the disciplinary incidents that marred the final, including the conduct of Senegal’s team and supporters as well as potential security shortcomings.

The Premier League landscape underwent a significant shift this weekend, with Aston Villa’s championship aspirations dealt a severe blow and Newcastle United’s top-four ambitions stalling in a frustrating stalemate.

At Villa Park, Unai Emery’s squad squandered a golden opportunity to close within four points of league leaders Arsenal, instead suffering a 1-0 defeat to Everton. The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Thierno Barry capitalized on defensive errors, chipping a close-range finish past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his third goal in five appearances. The loss was compounded by an early injury to captain John McGinn, adding to Villa’s troubles as their remarkable 11-game home winning streak across all competitions came to an abrupt end.

Meanwhile, at Molineux Stadium, Newcastle encountered similar frustrations against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite recent victories over Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Leeds that had boosted their Champions League qualification hopes, Eddie Howe’s men struggled offensively in torrential conditions. The Magpies required 85 minutes to register their first shot on target, ultimately settling for a 0-0 draw that leaves them positioned eighth in the league table.

These results substantially benefit Arsenal, who now maintain a seven-point cushion over both third-placed Villa and second-placed Manchester City following their respective setbacks. With critical fixtures against top-four rivals Aston Villa and Liverpool approaching later this month, Newcastle faces mounting pressure to rediscover their scoring form and revive their European ambitions.

American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn continues to demonstrate formidable form ahead of the Winter Olympics, securing her seventh World Cup podium of the season with a second-place finish in Sunday’s super-G event in Tarvisio, Italy. The 41-year-old veteran finished just 0.27 seconds behind Germany’s Emma Aicher, who claimed her fourth career World Cup victory.

This remarkable performance follows Vonn’s third-place finish in Saturday’s downhill event on the same course, reinforcing her status as a serious contender despite her recent return from retirement. The 2010 Olympic downhill champion attributes her successful comeback to a titanium knee replacement that has eliminated previous pain barriers.

Tarvisio has proven to be particularly favorable terrain for Vonn, who has never failed to reach the podium at this venue. Her record now stands at two victories, five second-place finishes, and one third-place achievement at the Italian resort, which returned to the World Cup circuit after a 15-year absence.

“It was a good race today,” Vonn told Italian broadcaster RAI. “Tough conditions with the visibility, but I’m really happy to be on the podium again. Of course I’m close to another win but it is what it is. I think I’ll save the hundredths for Cortina!”

The competition saw significant shifts in the super-G standings, with Italy’s Sofia Goggia claiming the discipline lead despite a sixth-place finish. Goggia now holds a 10-point advantage over Vonn, who maintains a commanding lead in the downhill standings.

New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, previously leading the super-G rankings, suffered a dramatic crash after the final jump that left her nearly three seconds behind the winner and visibly distressed. This setback drops Robinson 20 points behind Goggia in the standings.

The event raises questions about Italy’s Olympic prospects, as overall World Cup title holder Federica Brignone continues to recover from a double leg fracture sustained in April. Brignone may arrive at the Olympic starting gate without having competed in any events this winter, potentially forgoing Tuesday’s giant slalom in Kronplatz.

The African football spectacle reaches its zenith as host nation Morocco prepares to battle Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will witness an electrifying confrontation between two continental powerhouses, with nearly 69,000 spectators expected to create a formidable home advantage for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco, captained by African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, seeks to end a 48-year title drought that has persisted since their sole championship victory in 1976. Under the strategic guidance of coach Walid Regragui, the team has transformed into Africa’s football powerhouse, achieving unprecedented success by becoming the continent’s first World Cup semi-finalist in 2022 and climbing to 11th in global rankings.

Senegal enters the final as reigning champions, having secured their maiden title in 2022 through Sadio Mané’s decisive penalty against Egypt. The Lions of Teranga are competing in their third final within four tournaments, demonstrating remarkable consistency in African football. However, their preparation has been marred by logistical concerns, with team officials complaining about inadequate security during their arrival in Rabat and limited ticket allocation for supporters.

Strategic elements will prove crucial in determining the outcome. Morocco’s campaign has been built upon defensive solidity, conceding merely one goal throughout the tournament, complemented by the offensive prowess of Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz, the competition’s leading scorer with five goals. Senegal must overcome the suspension of captain Kalidou Koulibaly while managing the emotional narrative surrounding Mané’s potential final AFC appearance.

The tournament organization has showcased Morocco’s capabilities as a future World Cup host, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-speed rail connections, and impeccable pitch conditions setting new standards for African football events. This final not only represents the culmination of Africa’s premier football competition but also serves as a demonstration of Morocco’s readiness to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.