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. Senegal's moments of glory were clouded by incidents during the match that sparked criticism and concern within the football community.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty in the 98th minute after VAR review, which prompted Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw to instruct his team to leave the pitch in protest. Despite former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane's attempts to encourage the team to play on, they delayed for about 17 minutes before eventually returning to the field.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz, the tournament's top scorer, took the penalty but missed, and Senegal clinched the title by scoring the winning goal in extra time. After the match, Thiaw admitted regret for his team's actions, saying, I made them come back - you can react in the heat of the moment.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the ugly scenes at the final, stressing that violence and unsportsmanlike behavior have no place in football. The Confederation of African Football echoed these sentiments, vowing to take action against those responsible for disturbances.
In contrast, Senegal's players expressed pride in returning to play, demonstrating resilience despite earlier frustrations regarding officiating and security at the tournament. Mane emphasized the importance of grace in the game, even in unfavorable situations, stating, I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.
Ultimately, while Senegal celebrated their victory with fans, the chaotic events of the final could taint the memories of what was otherwise a spirited tournament showcasing African football.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty in the 98th minute after VAR review, which prompted Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw to instruct his team to leave the pitch in protest. Despite former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane's attempts to encourage the team to play on, they delayed for about 17 minutes before eventually returning to the field.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz, the tournament's top scorer, took the penalty but missed, and Senegal clinched the title by scoring the winning goal in extra time. After the match, Thiaw admitted regret for his team's actions, saying, I made them come back - you can react in the heat of the moment.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the ugly scenes at the final, stressing that violence and unsportsmanlike behavior have no place in football. The Confederation of African Football echoed these sentiments, vowing to take action against those responsible for disturbances.
In contrast, Senegal's players expressed pride in returning to play, demonstrating resilience despite earlier frustrations regarding officiating and security at the tournament. Mane emphasized the importance of grace in the game, even in unfavorable situations, stating, I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.
Ultimately, while Senegal celebrated their victory with fans, the chaotic events of the final could taint the memories of what was otherwise a spirited tournament showcasing African football.
