AFCON 2026 Concludes with Bronze Drama and a Historic Final
AFCON 2026 Concludes with two unforgettable matches in Morocco, starting with a tense third place playoff and ending with a final decided by courage and composure. While Nigeria edged Egypt for bronze, Senegal overcame hosts Morocco to lift the trophy. Together, these games captured the spirit of African football.
First Nigeria and Egypt Bronze Battle
The story of how AFCON 2026 Concludes began in Casablanca with a fierce third place playoff. Egypt and Nigeria played with pride and urgency. However, neither side found a goal in normal time.
Nigeria pushed forward and thought they had scored twice. Yet, VAR ruled out efforts from Paul Onuachu and Ademola Lookman. Egypt responded with late pressure, led by Mohamed Salah. Nevertheless, Nigeria’s defence stayed compact.
As a result, penalties decided the contest. At that moment, Stanley Nwabali stepped up. The Nigerian goalkeeper saved spot kicks from Salah and Omar Marmoush. Therefore, the momentum swung decisively.
Nigeria converted four penalties through Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman. Consequently, they secured a 4–2 shootout win. The result earned Nigeria their ninth AFCON bronze medal. Above all, Nwabali’s composure defined the night.
AFCON 2026 Final between Senegal and Morocco
While the bronze match thrilled, AFCON 2026 Concludes in Rabat with a final of immense tension. Senegal edged Morocco 1–0 under the lights in a match shaped by patience and belief.
From kickoff, Morocco controlled possession. Meanwhile, Senegal stayed disciplined and waited for openings. By halftime, the score remained level. However, the tension never faded.
After the break, both teams created chances. Morocco fired more shots. Senegal produced clearer openings. Moreover, both goalkeepers shone. Édouard Mendy commanded his area, while Yassine Bounou delivered crucial saves.
Then came the turning point. Deep into stoppage time, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty. Protests followed instantly. When Brahim Díaz stepped up, silence filled the stadium. His Panenka attempt failed, and Mendy saved with authority.
Extra time followed with heavy legs and rising pressure. Just four minutes in, Senegal struck. A loose ball fell to Pape Gueye, who powered his shot past Bounou. That moment changed the final.
Afterward, Morocco pushed forward relentlessly. Senegal, however, defended with heart and discipline. Every clearance mattered. Every tackle felt decisive.
When the final whistle blew, Senegal celebrated their second AFCON crown. Morocco stood devastated on home soil. In conclusion, AFCON 2026 Concludes as a tournament remembered for nerve, resilience, and decisive moments on the biggest stage.
