Senegal Crowned AFCON Champions After Dramatic Final Showdown

Senegal stormed off the field in protest at a ⁠penalty awarded against them before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra-time and win the Africa Cup of Nations amid farcical scenes in Sunday's final. Midfielder Pape Gueye netted the 94th-minute winner after Morocco’s star player Brahim Diaz had squandered the chance to win it for the home side by fluffing the last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay amid chaotic scenes. Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players off and it was talisman Sadio Mane who persuaded them to return. The penalty was awarded following a VAR ⁠check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after Diaz had been tugged to the ground ⁠by Senegal full back El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner kick five minutes into stoppage ⁠time. Officials and players ⁠jostled with each other while the referee consulted the touchline screen and then again when Senegal walked off. Once the players returned to the ⁠field, Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip and his soft penalty effort sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal’s actions will be seen as a major blight on an otherwise successful tournament although defeat continues Morocco’s poor record in the tournament, which they only previously won 50 ⁠years ago.