In brief
Senegal triumphed over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, yet the match was overshadowed by significant unrest. The game became chaotic after Senegal's players temporarily refused to play following a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco, which they felt was unjust. Despite the tensions, Senegal managed to win with a late goal in extra time, raising concerns about the match's atmosphere and officiating.
Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time - but only after the final was overshadowed when they temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.
In dramatic scenes, coach Pape Thiaw, furious over an earlier disallowed goal by Senegal, instructed his team to leave the pitch. Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane remained on the field, urging his teammates to return.
After a 17-minute delay, the players resumed, but Diaz’s weak penalty was easily saved by Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who had little difficulty with the shot.
Senegal eventually won the match with a goal from Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye in the fourth minute of extra time, securing their second title in five years.
Post-match, Morocco coach Walid Regragui condemned Senegal's actions as "shameful" for African football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also criticized the "ugly scenes" during the match.
Thiaw later expressed regret for the incident, acknowledging that his team's actions during the heated moments were inappropriate.
Infantino described the behavior as unacceptable, urging respect for match officials. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stated it would review footage and take actions against inappropriate behaviors during matches.
While Senegal celebrated their victory, the incident has raised concerns regarding the treatment of teams and officiating standards in African football.
