Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph was overshadowed by unprecedented chaos in Rabat, with controversial decisions, protests and condemnations leaving what should have been a historic victory marred by disorder.
In the final against hosts Morocco, Senegal secured a 1-0 win after extra time thanks to a late goal by Pape Gueye, clinching their second AFCON title. What was supposed to be a celebratory moment quickly turned chaotic after a late stoppage-time decision sparked protests, with players and staff from Senegal walking off the pitch in disbelief and anger. The trouble began in the dying moments of normal time when a goal for Senegal was disallowed by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after a tight decision, only for Morocco to then be awarded a penalty following a VAR review — a decision that many pundits and players felt was controversial and soft. In protest at what they saw as unfair officiating, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the field, leading the majority of the team out of the stadium and into the dressing room, creating confusion among fans, officials and commentators alike.
After around 15–17 minutes of uncertainty, during which time stadium officials, team officials and figures including captain Sadio Mané urged the squad to resume play, the Senegal team returned to the pitch. Play recommenced with the controversial penalty still pending, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take what would have been a historic title-winning spot-kick on home soil. In a dramatic twist, Díaz’s attempted Panenka-style penalty drifted weakly into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, forcing the match into extra time.
Despite the eventual victory, the final attracted sharp criticism from across the football world. Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Senegal’s actions — particularly the walk-off — as “shameful” and said the scenes presented a “terrible look” for African football, lamenting how the match had unfolded and the message it sent about respect for the game. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the conduct of some players and staff, saying that abandoning the match and the disorderly scenes in the stadium were unacceptable and harmful to the sport’s integrity. CAF (the Confederation of African Football) confirmed it will review all footage and consider disciplinary action against individuals involved.
Outside the pitch, tensions spilled over among supporters. Chaos in the stands saw clashes between Senegalese fans and stewards, with reports of chairs being thrown and riot police intervening to restore order. These incidents highlighted how deeply felt the controversy was among supporters, many of whom felt the officiating decisions had unjustly influenced the outcome.
Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw later acknowledged his decision to lead the protest was made in the heat of the moment and apologised for the disruption, recognising that the spectacle detracted from the sporting achievement. While celebrating their victory, many players and officials also expressed relief that the match was completed and decried how the day’s events will likely be remembered for its turmoil as much as for Senegal’s hard-fought title.
What was meant to be a night of celebration ultimately became one of the most controversial and chaotic finals in AFCON history — hailed by some supporters as dramatic, but lamented by critics as a damaging spectacle for African football. Organisers now face the complex task of addressing the fallout, both in terms of sporting sanctions and the perception of the continent’s flagship competition.
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