The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Senegal following its hard-fought victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final, describing the occasion as a defining moment for African football.
Senegal secured its second continental crown with a narrow 1-0 win over hosts Morocco, sealing the title in a tense finale that underlined the growing stature of the tournament.
The decisive moment arrived deep into extra time when Pape Gueye struck in the fourth minute, finally breaking the deadlock after a tightly contested 90 minutes that ended scoreless.
The intensity of the encounter briefly spilled over, with play interrupted following a walk-off by Senegalese players amid heightened emotions, before calm was restored and the match concluded.
A final worthy of Africa’s biggest stage
Reflecting on the contest, Youssouf described the final as a fitting conclusion to a competition that showcased the best of African football.
He praised both Senegal and Morocco as teams of global standing, noting that their duel reflected excellence, competitiveness and continental pride at the highest level.
“AFCON has once again demonstrated that the beautiful game is a powerful force for unity, bringing Africans together across cultures, borders, and generations,” Youssouf said.
He also commended all participating nations for raising standards across the tournament, highlighting the depth of talent, resilience and leadership on display throughout the competition.
Sportsmanship amid passion
While acknowledging the flashes of tension that emerged during the final, the African Union Commission Chairperson stressed that such moments were a natural consequence of elite competition.
He expressed satisfaction that sportsmanship and fair play ultimately prevailed, reinforcing the shared values that underpin African football.
“The successful hosting of AFCON once again reflects Africa’s growing capacity to stage world-class sporting events that unite the continent and inspire global admiration,” he added.
Morocco’s hosting earns recognition
Youssouf reserved special praise for Morocco, extending gratitude to His Majesty the King, the government and the Moroccan people for their hospitality and organisational excellence.
Having attended the final in person, he highlighted the professionalism with which the tournament was delivered, from infrastructure to matchday operations.
He concluded by reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to sport as a driver of unity, development and a shared continental identity, with Senegal’s triumph standing as a powerful symbol of what African football continues to represent.
