A final overshadowed by controversy
The Senegal national team were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time, but their triumph over Morocco will be remembered as much for the chaos as the football.
The final, played in Rabat, was goalless deep into stoppage time when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute following a VAR review. The decision triggered extraordinary scenes as Senegal’s players, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, temporarily refused to continue the match.
What should have been a showcase for African football instead became one of the most controversial endings in the tournament’s history.
The decision that sparked fury
Ndala was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR advised him to review a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. After watching the replay, the referee pointed to the spot.
Senegal’s sense of injustice was heightened by a moment just minutes earlier, when a goal from Ismaila Sarr had been disallowed for a foul in the build-up on Achraf Hakimi.
Incensed, Thiaw ushered his players off the pitch. As confusion spread around the stadium, objects were thrown from the stands and stewards struggled to maintain order. For around 17 minutes, the final hung in the balance.
Mane stands firm amid the chaos
One man refused to leave the pitch. Sadio Mane, Senegal’s captain and talisman, stayed on the field, pleading with his team-mates to return and finish the game.
After a lengthy delay, Senegal eventually re-emerged. Morocco were handed the chance to win the tournament with a single kick.
Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up. His attempted Panenka was tame and central, and Edouard Mendy gathered the ball with ease. Almost immediately, Ndala blew for full-time, sending the match into extra time.
Extra-time redemption for Senegal
The drama was not over. Just four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal, finishing calmly to give Senegal a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish.
For Senegal, it sealed a second Afcon triumph in five years and confirmed their status as the dominant force in African football this decade. For Morocco, it was heartbreak, denying them a first continental title since 1976.
Diaz, substituted after Gueye’s goal, cut a forlorn figure on the bench, knowing his missed penalty would be replayed for years to come.
Strong words from both camps
In the aftermath, emotions remained raw. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui did not hide his anger, branding Senegal’s actions “shameful” and saying they did not “honour Africa”.
Thiaw later admitted he had been wrong to order his players off the field. Speaking to BeIN Sport, he said: “We didn’t agree. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it, I made them come back. You can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee.”
He added: “We shouldn’t have done it, but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
Thiaw’s scheduled press conference was cancelled after disorder broke out in the media room, underlining how tense the situation remained long after the final whistle.
Mane’s leadership praised
Mane emerged from the chaos with his reputation enhanced. Speaking after the match, he stressed the importance of setting the right example.
“Football is something special, the world was watching, so we have to give a good image,” he said. “I think it would be crazy to not play this game. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.”
Mendy echoed those sentiments, saying he was proud of how Senegal regrouped. “We came back together and we won together,” the goalkeeper said. “That’s all that matters.”
Gueye revealed how Mane’s words helped refocus the squad. “Sadio told us to come back on and remobilise. Edouard made the save, we stayed focused and got the goal,” he explained.
Global condemnation of the scenes
The fallout extended beyond the two teams. Gianni Infantino condemned the scenes in a strongly worded social media post, calling them “ugly” and “unacceptable”.
He wrote that leaving the field of play in such a manner could not be tolerated and warned that anything less than respect for officials “puts the very essence of football at risk”. Infantino also called on African football’s governing bodies to take appropriate disciplinary action.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed it was reviewing footage of the incident and would refer the matter to its disciplinary committees.
A bittersweet end to a memorable tournament
Morocco had been widely praised as hosts, with modern stadiums, efficient travel and passionate crowds throughout the competition. Many felt the tournament had been a celebration of African football’s growth and quality.
Yet the final minutes threatened to overshadow weeks of compelling football. Former players and pundits were united in their criticism of Senegal’s walk-off, even while acknowledging the frustration behind it.
The images of players leaving the pitch, fans clashing with security and officials surrounded by controversy were not how anyone wanted the tournament to end.
Champions despite the storm
For Senegal, history will ultimately record only the trophy. They are champions of Africa once again, having navigated controversy, pressure and chaos to prevail when it mattered most.
Their victory was secured not by protest, but by resilience. A captain who refused to quit, a goalkeeper who held his nerve, and a midfielder who seized his moment ensured that, amid the disorder, football still had the final say.
Yet this final will linger as a warning. African football continues to rise, but moments like this show how fragile its image can be when emotions boil over on the biggest stage.