Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after a tense 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a final overshadowed by controversy, protests and prolonged stoppages.
The decisive moment of chaos came late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a challenge involving Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala pointed to the spot, triggering furious protests from Senegal’s players and technical bench.
Incensed by the decision, head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch. Captain Sadio Mané attempted to calm his teammates as they moved toward the tunnel, with the standoff further delaying the game.
Senegal’s anger was heightened by the earlier disallowance of what they believed was a legitimate goal by Ismaïla Sarr, moments before Díaz went down under a challenge from El Hadji Malick Diouf to win the disputed penalty.
The situation escalated as some Senegal supporters breached the perimeter and ran onto the pitch before security forces restored order. After several minutes, Senegal returned to resume play.
Díaz eventually stepped up to take the penalty in the 113th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Referee Ndala later booked several Senegal players, including Sarr and Diouf, while Mendy was also cautioned following a confrontation with officials.
Díaz appeared distraught after missing the spot kick and was substituted at the start of extra time as Morocco struggled to regain composure.
Just five minutes into extra time, Senegal capitalised on the momentum, with Pape Gueye firing home the winning goal. The remainder of the match was played under heavy rain, with objects thrown onto the pitch by sections of the home crowd.
Senegal held on to secure the title, celebrating wildly at the final whistle after one of the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent history. Morocco’s wait for continental success, meanwhile, was extended to half a century.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel later admitted he sympathised with Senegal’s frustration but criticised their decision to walk off the pitch, insisting protests should not disrupt play.
