Chaos and Glory: Senegal Secure Dramatic AFCON Title
Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy after a messy final against Morocco, which was marred by a 17-minute walk-off protest, on Sunday, 18 January.
The turmoil erupted in the 98th minute at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the hosts a controversial penalty following a VAR review.
Incensed by several earlier decisions, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team to leave the pitch. Amidst what FIFA President Gianni Infantino described as “ugly scenes”, captain Sadio Mane remained, eventually persuading his teammates to return.
“I think it would be crazy to not play this game,” Mane later reflected.
The delay rattled Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, whose weak penalty was easily saved by Edouard Mendy. This failure galvanised the Lions of Teranga, and Pape Gueye struck a superb winner in extra time – the first goal Senegal have ever scored in an AFCON final.
While Thiaw apologised for the “heat of the moment” reaction, Infantino condemned the “unacceptable” conduct.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was equally scathing, stating: “The image we gave of African football was rather shameful.”
Despite the disruption and brief fan unrest, Senegal held firm to cement their status as continental champions.
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