Senegal Claim Dramatic Afcon Glory After Controversial Final Against Morocco

Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time after a tense and dramatic final against hosts Morocco, a match that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for the resilience and composure shown by the eventual winners.

The decisive encounter was overshadowed late on when Senegal’s players briefly refused to continue play after Morocco were awarded a highly contentious stoppage-time penalty with the score still level at 0-0. The incident unfolded in the 98th minute, prompting a heated reaction from the Senegalese bench and players on the pitch.

Head coach Pape Thiaw attempted to usher his team off the field in protest after referee Jean Jacques Ndala pointed to the spot, ruling that defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had brought down Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area. The decision was confirmed following a VAR review, intensifying Senegal’s frustration at a critical moment of the final.

When play eventually resumed, Real Madrid forward Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting an audacious panenka. However, the effort was brilliantly saved, lifting Senegal and restoring belief among the players and supporters after a chaotic few minutes.

Thiaw, 44, was visibly irritated not only by the penalty decision but also by the earlier disallowing of a Senegal goal moments before the spot-kick was awarded. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had appeared to give Senegal the lead from close range, only for the goal to be ruled out after a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.

As tensions rose, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy briefly made his way toward the dressing room, before returning to the pitch following encouragement from captain Sadio Mane, who played a key leadership role in urging his team-mates to remain focused and see out the match.

Referee Ndala brought the 90 minutes to an end immediately after the penalty drama, sending the final into extra time. Senegal carried their momentum forward and were rewarded early, with Pape Gueye breaking the deadlock just four minutes into extra time to give his side a crucial lead.