AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal Crowned Champions After Walk-Off Protest, VAR Drama and Global Backlash

Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the second time in five years, but their dramatic victory over hosts Morocco was overshadowed by scenes many football leaders later described as “shameful” and damaging to the image of African football.

The AFCON final descended into chaos when Senegal’s players temporarily refused to continue the match after Morocco were awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty with the score still goalless.

VAR Decision Sparks Walk-Off

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty in the 98th minute after consulting the pitchside monitor on the advice of VAR, ruling that defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz inside the box.

The decision came moments after Ndala had disallowed a Senegal goal by Ismaila Sarr for a foul in the build-up, a call that left Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw furious.

In protest, Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch, triggering angry reactions from Senegal supporters in the stands, some of whom clashed with security personnel and attempted to throw objects onto the field.

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané remained on the pitch, urging his teammates to return and complete the match.

After a delay of around 17 minutes, the players eventually came back.

Missed Penalty, Extra-Time Winner

Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to win the final when Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. But his attempted Panenka was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The referee immediately blew for full-time, sending the match into extra time.

Four minutes into the additional period, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal, sealing Senegal’s second AFCON title since their first triumph in 2021.

‘Shameful’ Scenes Draw Heavy Criticism

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui condemned Senegal’s protest, describing the walk-off as “shameful” and saying it did not “honour Africa”.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also weighed in, calling the scenes “ugly” and warning that such actions threaten the integrity of the sport.

“Leaving the field of play in this manner is unacceptable, and violence has no place in football,” Infantino said in a statement, adding that match officials’ decisions must always be respected.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to disciplinary bodies for possible sanctions.

Senegal Apologise, Accept Responsibility

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later accepted responsibility for his decision, apologising publicly after his scheduled media briefing was cancelled following unrest in the press room.

“We didn’t agree and I reacted in the heat of the moment,” he said. “We shouldn’t have done it. I apologise to football.”

Mané echoed those sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting the image of the game.

“The world was watching,” he said. “I would rather lose than see football stopped like that. We have to give a good image to African football.”

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy insisted the team showed unity by returning to the pitch and finishing the match, while match-winner Pape Gueye said the players felt “a sense of injustice” but refocused after Mané’s intervention.

Despite the controversy, Senegal celebrated a historic triumph — one that will be remembered as much for the disorder that surrounded it as for the football that decided it.