Moroccan fans left the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat in deep despair as Senegal shocked the hosts in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, claiming a 1-0 extra-time victory.

Many Atlas Lions supporters began leaving the stands before the final whistle on a cold, wet evening, their disappointment palpable.

“We cried in the final against Tunisia in 2004, and tonight the same scenario repeats itself. That’s very hard to take,” said 30-year-old Ismail Korradj shortly after the game.

At a central Rabat café decorated with Moroccan flags, the defeat was a heavy blow. Yet fans maintained pride in their team’s efforts. “Morocco lost with their heads held high,” said 32-year-old Laila Bourezma. “The defeat leaves bitterness, but our players gave everything.”

Oumaima Boukrab, 34, added: “The team showed beautiful football throughout the tournament. The players were excellent. We salute them and we’re proud of them.”

Morocco came agonisingly close to ending a 50-year wait for the trophy. Late in the match, they were awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy confidently saved Brahim Diaz’s audacious Panenka. The decision had sparked lengthy protests, with Senegalese players temporarily leaving the pitch and the game paused for nearly 20 minutes.

Four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck the match’s only goal, stunning the home crowd and ending Morocco’s hopes of lifting the AFCON for the first time since 1976.

Senegalese fans, though far fewer than the tens of thousands of Moroccans in the 66,526-strong crowd, celebrated jubilantly outside the stadium. “We won, but Morocco is always with us, so it’s two African countries that won,” said 42-year-old supporter Abdoul.

“Today, Senegal won. Tomorrow, Morocco will win. They’re our brothers and they welcomed us here,” added Salim Bom, another Senegalese supporter.

Bassirou Gueye, 43, highlighted the tension surrounding the late penalty: “We’ve been preparing for this great match for a long time. However, CAF needs to improve referee decisions.”

When referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty in stoppage time, Senegal’s players walked off in protest. Some Senegalese fans at the opposite end of the stadium hurled chairs and tried to enter the pitch, but police and stewards contained them. Their frustration turned to elation when Mendy saved the penalty and the game resumed.

“We’re so happy to have won, but it’s Africa that won,” said 30-year-old Senegalese supporter Adja Cisse. “Morocco and Senegal are brothers. The cup belongs to Senegal and Morocco. Long live Africa.”