Chaos Marred Senegal's Historic AFCON Victory

Mon Jan 19 2026 20:43:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senegal's triumphant win over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final was overshadowed by chaos and controversy, raising concerns over sportsmanship and officiating standards.

In a dramatic final at the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal triumphed over Morocco to secure their second title. However, the match was marred by chaos after Senegal temporarily refused to play following a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. Senegal's coach acknowledged the decision was emotionally charged, leading to errors in judgment. While the team eventually returned to the pitch, FIFA and CAF condemned the violent scenes, emphasizing the need for respect in sportsmanship. Despite the victory, the events cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for African football.

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 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 canceled after a ruckus broke out in the press room.

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.

He acknowledged the reactions were driven by emotional intensity but stressed the importance of accepting refereeing decisions.

Former Nigeria forward Efan Ekoku criticized Senegal’s actions, asserting that leaving the pitch was “not a good look for African football.”

Infantino, while congratulating Senegal, emphasized that violence and disrespect for the officials cannot be tolerated. What happened must be condemned and never repeated, he stated.

The events of the final, along with the build-up, raised serious questions about officiating and the overall conduct of teams in the tournament, leaving a complex legacy for African football.