Senegal Claims AFCON Title After Field Protest

Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, but the match was overshadowed by significant controversy and on-field disturbances. The result marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in four years.

Controversial Penalty and Player Protest

Deep into stoppage time, Morocco was awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee review that deemed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz. Prior to this decision, Senegal believed they had scored a winning goal that was subsequently ruled out due to a contentious foul call against Achraf Hakimi. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo’s decision to disallow the goal, as he blew the whistle before the ball entered the net, prevented a VAR review.

In response to the penalty decision and the earlier ruling, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw instructed his team to leave the pitch and proceed to the dressing room in protest. Only Sadio Mane remained on the field, leading to a 16-minute delay.

Penalty Shootout and Player Reactions

After the teams returned, Brahim Diaz took the penalty, but Edouard Mendy saved the shot, sending the match to extra time. Diaz, a leading contender for player of the tournament, appeared visibly distraught after the miss and was substituted shortly into extra time.

During the period when the Senegal players were off the field, altercations broke out in their section of the stadium. A stadium steward sustained an injury and required evacuation. A video circulating on social media showed Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvan Diouf being chased around the pitch by Moroccan ball boys.

Post-Match Criticism and Commentary

Morocco manager Walid Regragui criticized Thiaw’s decision to remove his team from the field, stating it was “not a good look for African football.” Former players Daniel Amokachi and Efan Ekoku echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment with the events. Former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul emphasized the negative impact on the tournament’s image.

Late Goal and Refereeing Concerns

Pape Gueye scored for Senegal in the fourth minute of extra time, giving his team the lead. The victory was ultimately secured despite the preceding chaos. The match has reignited debate regarding refereeing standards at AFCON, following earlier controversy in games involving both teams.

Following Senegal’s semi-final victory over Nigeria, referee Daniel Nii Laryea faced criticism for his officiating. Nigerian players Victor Osimhen and Osayi-Samuel publicly expressed concerns about the referee’s decisions. Osayi-Samuel later posted on social media, “God is good!” in response to the events in the final.

Gueye, named player-of-the-match, stated that the team found the strength to return to the pitch and secure the victory, acknowledging the frustration caused by perceived injustices.