Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations Victory Overshadowed by Final Chaos

Mon Jan 19 2026 17:22:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst a stunning win over Morocco, Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations final is tainted by chaos as players refuse to continue after a controversial penalty decision sparks unrest.

Senegal triumphed over Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time, yet the final was marked by chaos as players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. Coach Pape Thiaw's actions led to criticism, but players later returned to complete the match after a delay. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, and Pape Gueye's extra-time goal secured the victory, despite the post-match uproar that drew widespread condemnation from FIFA and observers alike.

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.

After a series of tensions beforehand, including complaints by Senegal regarding their treatment leading up to the final, what transpired overshadowed the joyous occasion of the championship. Infantino stated that the behavior exhibited was unacceptable and emphasized that violence cannot be tolerated in football.