AFCON final descends into chaos despite Senegal’s victory

What should have been a thrilling finale to a highly competitive Africa Cup of Nations ended in controversy on Sunday night, leaving African football with an uncomfortable aftertaste.

Senegal lifted the trophy after a 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in extra time, but the final descended into farce when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch following a late penalty awarded to Morocco deep into stoppage time.

Ordered off the field by coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, several Senegal players headed toward the dressing room before captain Sadio Mané intervened and convinced them to return. The match resumed after a 14-minute delay marked by heated arguments and visible tension.

The penalty itself, awarded after a lengthy VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz, failed to change the scoreline. Díaz’s Panenka-style attempt was comfortably caught by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.

“We stayed calm. I stayed on my feet,” Mendy said later. “That moment kept us in the game.”

Senegal finally broke the deadlock four minutes into extra time through Pape Gueye, securing their second AFCON title in the last three editions. For Morocco, it was another bitter disappointment, extending a poor tournament record that includes just one title, won 50 years ago.

Yet Senegal’s sporting success was overshadowed by the controversy. Morocco coach Walid Regragui did not hide his anger, calling the walk-off “shameful” and damaging to the image of African football.

“What we showed the world was not good for Africa,” he said. “A coach asking his players to leave the pitch does not honour this game.”

Senegal coach Thiaw may now face disciplinary action, adding to a final that will be remembered less for footballing brilliance than for scenes that tarnished what had been one of the tournament’s most successful editions.