Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title in a dramatic final overshadowed by extraordinary controversy, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat. The match descended into chaos when Senegal’s team temporarily walked off the pitch following a controversial penalty award to Morocco in stoppage time.
The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored a stunning individual goal, securing Senegal’s second continental triumph within five years. However, the victory was marred by unprecedented scenes that threatened to abandon the championship match.
The controversy erupted in the 98th minute when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after reviewing a challenge by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz via VAR. The decision prompted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to order his players from the field, triggering chaotic scenes that included objects being thrown and attempts by spectators to enter the pitch.
The situation was only resolved when former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane intervened, persuading his teammates to return to the field. When the penalty was finally taken in the 114th minute, Real Madrid’s Diaz saw his Panenka attempt saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Post-match reactions highlighted the deep divisions caused by the incident. Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Senegal’s actions as ‘shameful’ and stated they did not ‘honour Africa.’ Meanwhile, Thiaw later apologized for his decision, acknowledging he reacted in the heat of the moment and should not have ordered the walk-off.
The final’s controversy capped a tournament that had been praised for Morocco’s organizational excellence but plagued by ongoing debates about refereeing decisions and VAR implementation. The disturbing scenes occurred in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, casting a shadow over Africa’s premier football competition just four years before Morocco co-hosts the World Cup.