Senegal's Africa Cup Triumph Overshadowed by Final Chaos

Mon Jan 19 2026 20:28:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title, but their victory was marred by a tumultuous final that saw players walking off in protest over a penalty decision, drawing strong criticism from FIFA and raising concerns over safety and sportsmanship.

Senegal celebrated a second Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Morocco, but the match was marred by controversy as Senegal's players temporarily left the pitch in response to a contentious penalty decision late in the game. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the riots that ensued, emphasizing the need for respect towards match officials. Despite the chaotic scenes, head coach Pape Thiaw later expressed regret for his team's actions, while players like Sadio Mane called for upholding dignity in 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.

Ahead of the 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.

After congratulating Senegal on their Afcon triumph and recognising Morocco as exceptional hosts, he described the scenes witnessed in the final as unacceptable and emphasized the need for respecting refereeing decisions.

Thiaw had his media briefing cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room, but later accepted he should not have ordered his team off the field, stating, after reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] - you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee.

Senegal's complaints about their treatment prior to the final, including a lack of security and inadequate hotel conditions, added to the tension of the match. Former Nigeria forward Efan Ekoku also criticized the team's decision to leave the pitch, calling it not a good look for African football.

Ultimately, despite the controversy surrounding the match, Senegal succeeded in clinching the trophy amidst a backdrop of chaos that clouded their achievement.