RABAT, Morocco – The final of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) was decided in extra time after a scoreless draw in a chaotic closing that involved a temporary exit from the field by the Senegal players, following a controversial refereeing decision.
Senegal finally prevailed 1-0 in extra time, securing their second AFCON title in five years, following their victory in 2021. However, the way the defeat unfolded was not well received by Morocco and their coach, Walid Regragui.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the field while Moroccan fans celebrated and whistled, amid tumultuous scenes on the field. Players from both teams argued heatedly about the VAR decision that awarded a late penalty to the hosts.
Senegal’s players returned to the field after a 14-minute break, following Sadio Mané’s intervention in the locker room, who urged them to return to the match.
Édouard Mendy saved the penalty taken by Brahim Díaz, while some Senegal fans tried to invade the field. The tension was also felt in the press box, where altercations between journalists were recorded.
I think it took a long time before [Brahim] could take the penalty, and this threw him off.
Walid Regragui
After the match, Morocco’s coach, Regragui, criticized Thiaw’s decision to take his team off the field and defended Díaz for missing the penalty.
Regragui added: “The match we had was shameful for Africa.”Morocco’s coach added that Pape [Thiaw] did something that does not honor Africa. He is now African champion, so he can say what he wants, but they stopped the match for more than 10 minutes.”
The decision of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to review the VAR for a foul on Díaz triggered a fight between both teams, which extended to the stands. Senegal fans tried to invade the field to confront the officials and the Moroccan delegation.
Security guards and riot police intervened to create a barrier between the fans and the field. Objects were thrown onto the pitch and Senegalese supporters climbed the electronic fences.
Several Senegal fans were removed by the authorities, while a security guard was stretchered out after suffering an upper body injury.
During the scuffle, the Lions of Teranga left the field on the instructions of their coach, Thiaw, although it was not clear whether it was for security reasons or in protest at the referee’s decision to award a late penalty after a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Díaz in the sixth minute of added time.
Amidst more clashes on the field between Ismael Saibari and Abdoulaye Seck, and a yellow card for Mendy for apparently damaging the penalty spot, Díaz finally prepared to take the penalty, but his failed attempt was easily stopped by the Senegal goalkeeper.
In extra time, Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an impressive goal from outside the area, giving his team a lead they wouldn’t lose.
