Six months after sharing Club World Cup glory on a makeshift podium in New Jersey, Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr once again found themselves celebrating side by side. This time, the occasion was even more special, as Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions following a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco.
Both Chelsea loanees were named in the starting XI for the final. Sarr endured the full physical and emotional test, completing all 120 minutes, while Jackson played the entirety of regulation time before being withdrawn shortly before the match descended into chaos.
The controversy began when Senegal appeared to score the winning goal from a corner, only for it to be ruled out. The referee judged that Abdoulaye Seck had fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up—a decision that notably did not go to VAR. Moments later, at the other end, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a lengthy video review. Officials decided that El Hadji Malick Diouf had pulled Brahim Díaz to the ground during another set piece. While such physical contact is common in crowded penalty areas, it is rarely punished consistently. Díaz felt the tug and went down dramatically, leaving the decision open to interpretation. The earlier incident involving Hakimi fell into a similarly grey area, underlining how difficult modern officiating has become amid constant grappling during corners.
The penalty call sent emotions spiraling out of control. Tempers flared both on the pitch and in the stands, and Senegal’s players were briefly on the verge of walking off entirely. Order was eventually restored thanks to the intervention of captain Sadio Mané, who persuaded his teammates to continue. By the time Díaz finally prepared to take the spot kick—well after the 113th minute—momentum had clearly shifted. In a surprising choice, he attempted a Panenka, only for Édouard Mendy to calmly catch the weak effort with ease, drawing comparisons to Sergio Agüero’s infamous miss.
With the deadlock intact, the match moved into extra time, where Senegal finally found their breakthrough. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning goal to give his side the lead they had been pushing for. From there, Senegal showed composure and discipline, seeing out the remainder of the match to secure the title. Their defensive record throughout the tournament was exceptional, conceding just twice in seven matches, while all three knockout rounds were decided by identical 1–0 victories.
Jackson featured from the start in five matches during the competition, scoring twice—both in the opening game—and adding an assist. Sarr’s path was more unexpected. He only entered the starting lineup at the semi-final stage after an injury to Kalidou Koulibaly, but the 20-year-old seized his chance, delivering assured performances on the biggest stage of his young career. Already a key figure for RC Strasbourg this season, Sarr continues to build momentum that could soon carry him back to Stamford Bridge. Jackson, too, may find himself back in Chelsea colors sooner rather than later.
Well-deserved congratulations go to Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr, along with Édouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, for their part in a thrilling, unforgettable AFCON final. Hakim Ziyech, meanwhile, was unable to represent Morocco after being ruled out through injury.
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