Senegal's Triumph at Afcon Marred by Controversial Scenes

Mon Jan 19 2026 14:58:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title, but chaos erupted during the final against Morocco, leading to critical reactions from officials and football legends alike.

Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Morocco, though the match was overshadowed by a controversial stoppage-time penalty that led to chaos on the field. Coach Pape Thiaw faced backlash after momentarily withdrawing his team from play, prompting criticism from the football community including FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Key players like Sadio Mane and Edouard Mendy addressed the turmoil, emphasizing the need for a positive image of African football despite the contentious final moments.

Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time - but only after the final was overshadowed when they temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Amid sensational scenes, head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, ushered his team off the field.

Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and tried to encourage his Senegal team-mates to finish the game.

Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the players did eventually return.

Real Madrid forward Diaz, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, was trusted with the penalty, but his tame 'Panenka' effort was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy who barely had to move, and Ndala immediately blew his whistle for full-time.

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for the Lions.

In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal's actions were 'shameful' and do not 'honour Africa'.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the 'ugly scenes' in a post on Instagram.

Thiaw, meanwhile, had his media briefing cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room. But in an interview with BeIN Sport, he accepted that he should not have ordered his team off the field. 'We didn't agree,' he said. 'I don't want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football.'

Infantino stated it is 'unacceptable' to leave the field of play in this manner, adding the decisions taken by the match officials must always be respected, 'because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk'.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also condemned any inappropriate behavior and is reviewing footage for appropriate action against those found guilty.