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Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title in a final that veered from football spectacle to near farce, ending with riot police, missed penalties, and a walk-off protest. The 1-0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco in Rabat will go down as one of the most chaotic matches in tournament history.
Walk-Off Shocks the Stadium
With the score locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz won a contentious penalty after a tangle in the box with El Hadji Malick Diouf. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after a lengthy VAR review, pointed to the spot — and all hell broke loose.
Incensed by the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest. Sadio Mane tried to calm teammates, but eventually followed them down the tunnel. The match paused for over 15 minutes as players, officials, and even fans clashed — some breaking past advertising boards before riot police intervened.
The Missed Panenka That Changed Everything
Eventually, Senegal returned. Diaz stepped up to take the penalty that could have handed Morocco their first AFCON title in 50 years. Instead, he floated a weak Panenka straight into the grateful hands of Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.
The Moroccan playmaker was visibly crushed. Subbed off before extra time began, he watched as Senegal flipped the script.
Pape Gueye Delivers the Decisive Blow
Just five minutes into the added period, Pape Gueye scored a thunderous strike to put Senegal ahead. Morocco, reeling from the earlier drama, couldn’t respond. The match deteriorated further as rain poured down and fans hurled objects toward Mendy’s goal. But Senegal held firm.
As the final whistle blew, Senegalese players collapsed in celebration on the drenched turf. Sadio Mane, perhaps bowing out of international football on a high, was named Player of the Tournament.
Reactions: Fury, Regret, and One Bruised Ego
Post-match scenes were no less fiery. Journalists from both nations clashed, forcing Senegal’s press conference to be scrapped. Thiaw later admitted his walk-off decision was rash. “We shouldn’t have done it, but it’s done,” he told beIN Sports. “We present our apologies to football.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui didn’t hold back either, calling Senegal’s protest “shameful” and “not classy.”
As for Diaz, he did collect the Golden Boot, but looked devastated. His decision to try a Panenka in a moment of high pressure was slammed by pundits.
“I don’t know what Brahim Diaz was thinking,” said former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku. “You get one chance to win AFCON for your country — that wasn’t it.”
What It Means for the Fans
For Senegalese supporters, it’s joy — though tempered by the surreal path to victory. For Morocco, it’s heartbreak, and another tournament that slipped through their fingers.
And for the average online punter? A late twist, a failed penalty, and a walk-off all likely scrambled bets and live odds. One of the most volatile AFCON finals ever — and one that will be dissected for years to come.
