AFCON Final Descends into Chaos as Senegal Players Walk Off After Controversial Penalty

Senegal have won the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a hugely controversial final against hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye’s sensational goal in extra-time proved to be the difference, but the real story was a 17-minute delay late on due to an unprecedented incident on the pitch.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled by West Ham star El Hadji Malick Diouf, and referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was summoned to VAR, which led to the contentious spot kick being awarded.

Senegal were already furious after having a potential winning goal ruled out earlier in the eight minutes of stoppage time, with the scoreline at 0-0. Abdoulaye Seck was deemed to have fouled Achraf Hakimi, much to Morocco’s relief.

After the referee awarded the penalty for a pull on Diaz, Senegal’s players, aside from former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane, and their coaching staff left the field and returned to the tunnel, following manager Pape Thiaw’s orders. Meanwhile, some Senegal fans invaded the pitch, prompting security measures to be put in place.

In a bid to defuse the bizarre situation, Mane ran back into the tunnel to persuade his teammates to return to the field. Following a delay of 17 minutes, Diaz eventually took the penalty, only to miss it in humiliating fashion, attempting a Panenka that was expertly saved by Edouard Mendy.

Diaz, visibly crushed, was in tears as Ndala blew his whistle for extra-time. Senegal seized the opportunity, with Mane’s back heel leading to Gueye’s unstoppable strike, which found the net against Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

This marked the first goal Morocco had conceded from open play in the entire tournament. Youssef En-Nesyri nearly equalized for Morocco in the first half of extra-time, but his header missed just wide.

Senegal also had a chance to solidify their lead with Cherif Ndiaye, who was denied multiple times by Bounou, as the goalkeeper’s touches kept the ball from going in.

However, Morocco could not find the equalizer and the most controversial of finals concluded after three dramatic hours. As rain poured in Rabat, Senegal joyously celebrated their second AFCON title.

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