For the second straight year the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs squared off in the AFC championship game. Last year it ended in dramatic fashion with a game-winning kick in overtime by Bengals kicker Evan McPherson.

The game didn't quite go to overtime this year, rather it ended with a kick that went through the uprights in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter. This one however, would be from the Kansas City Chiefs and their kicker, Harrison Butker.

The whole game lacked consistency from the officiating crew and the ending would be more of the same. The game-winning field goal was set up by a late hit call on Joseph Ossai, which you can see here.

Joseph Ossai played a hell of a game and was hustling crazy on this play. Terrible way to go out. Hope his guys have his back. pic.twitter.com/xGoT2X8VUQ

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) January 30, 2023

A heart-breaking ending to a game that won't easily be forgotten. You can tell the memory of this will stick with Ossai for some time.

Joseph Ossai Extremely Emotional ? pic.twitter.com/TpBTxEhnQG

— NFL Daily (@SportsContent23) January 30, 2023

It's never fun to be on the end of a dramatic loss, but this one really stings both the Bengals and their fans. The Bengals defense did a pretty good job of containing Mahomes in the second half and there's zero guarantee the Chiefs get into field goal range without the penalty.

In fact, it's not crazy to think most would be the Chiefs don't get into field goal range.

It's a tough, tough way to lose, but it's certainly one that should fuel the Bengals enough to where they are more ready than ever to make another run in 2023.

Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports