Chaos erupted in the AFCON final after Senegal’s head coach ordered his players off the pitch in protest of a late Morocco penalty, which was ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz to keep the game scoreless.
The Africa Cup of Nations final descended into unprecedented chaos this evening as Senegal’s national team staged a dramatic walk-off in protest of a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.
With the scoreline locked at 0-0 in Rabat, the referee’s decision to point to the spot for an alleged pull-back sparked immediate fury from the Senegalese bench, prompting head coach Pape Thiaw to instruct his players to leave the field.
While former Liverpool star Sadio Mane was among the few who remained near the touchline during the standoff, the match was delayed for several minutes before play eventually resumed.
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the high-stakes spot-kick, but his attempt at a “Panenka” chip was easily gathered by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the Lions of Teranga in the game.
The tension on the pitch followed a buildup marred by logistical grievances from the Senegalese Football Federation, which cited poor security, inadequate hotel facilities, and a lack of training fields.
Regarding the pre-match security lapses, Thiaw stated, “What happened yesterday was not normal. Given the number there, anything could have happened.
My players could have been in danger. That type of thing should not happen between two brother countries.”
Amidst the sporting drama, the future of Sadio Mane remains a focal point after he hinted at retirement from the competition, a move Thiaw openly contested by saying, “I think he made his decision in the heat of the moment — the country does not agree, and I as coach of the national team do not agree at all.”