Sports
3 min read
Afcon Final Erupts: Senegal Team Walks Off Amid Penalty Controversy
BBC
January 18, 2026•4 days ago

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In the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal's coach withdrew his team from the field after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time. The decision, made by the referee in the 98th minute, sparked outrage. Despite attempts by the captain to resume play, the Senegalese players left the pitch, leading to a highly unusual conclusion to the match.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw encouraged his team off the pitch after hosts Morocco were awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Thiaw was enraged after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a spot-kick in the 98th minute when defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz in the box.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy went to the dressing room, but returned to the field with captain Sadio Mane trying to encourage his players to finish the game.
Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku said on E4: "You cannot do that. However aggrieved you feel at it you have got to let the referee and the rules [make a decision]... I have got some sympathy, but this is not a good look."
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