DAKAR, Senegal -- Senegal erupted in joy Sunday night after the West African country's soccer team defeated Morocco 1-0 to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Across the capital Dakar, fireworks lit up the sky, horns blared and people of all ages chanted and danced in the streets, dressed in national colors and holding Senegalese flags.

Sadio Mane’s late strike took Senegal into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations at the expense of Egypt, eliminating his former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah in the process.

Senegal's decision to storm off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final came in the heat of the moment but football won in the end, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy told reporters after they beat Morocco 1-0 on Sunday.

The Senegalese players walked off after Morocco was awarded a contentious penalty, which Brahim Diaz missed, before they returned and won 1-0 in extra time.

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final descended into chaos after Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were given a stoppage-time penalty

The Africa Cup of Nations final takes place on Sunday as hosts Morocco have a chance of glory but Senegal's superstars stand in the way.

Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time, but the match was not without controversy.

Senegal eagerly awaited the return of its champions Monday, with streets decked out in banners and flags and the population given a national holiday following the country's thrilling Africa Cup of Nations win over Morocco.