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Senegal crowned AFCON champions after Morocco final descends into chaos

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Senegal crowned AFCON champions after Morocco final descends into chaos
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in extraordinary and controversial circumstances on Sunday night, as their dramatic final against hosts Morocco in Rabat spiralled into chaos following a disallowed late goal and a stoppage-time penalty decision that sparked a walk-off protest.

The Teranga Lions were ultimately crowned champions after Pape Gueye fired home a stunning winner four minutes into extra time, sealing a 1-0 victory and Senegal's second AFCON title.

The match, however, will be remembered as much for the disorder as the football.

Disallowed Senegal winner sparks flashpoint

With the final seemingly heading towards extra time, Senegal thought they had scored a late winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Abdoulaye Seck's header rebounded off the crossbar and was turned in by Ismaïla Sarr.

However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo disallowed the goal, awarding Morocco a free-kick after Seck was penalised for a foul on Achraf Hakimi - a decision that instantly infuriated the Senegal bench and supporters.

VAR awards Morocco penalty - Senegal walk off pitch in protest

Moments later, tensions exploded further when Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have pulled Brahim Díaz inside the area.

Following a VAR review, the spot-kick was upheld, leading to angry scenes involving players and staff on the touchline.

In a remarkable twist, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw called his players over and ordered them off the pitch in protest.

Several Senegal players were seen heading towards the tunnel as the match was delayed for well over 10 minutes, with the stoppage time clock stretching beyond the 100-minute mark.

Former Liverpool star Sadio Mané remained on the field, eventually urging his team-mates to return so play could resume.

Díaz misses Panenka penalty as chaos continues

When the match restarted, Díaz stepped up with the chance to win it for Morocco - only to produce one of the most extraordinary moments of the night.

The Real Madrid forward attempted a Panenka-style penalty straight down the middle, but Édouard Mendy calmly caught it, prompting wild celebrations from the Senegal players and a furious response in the stands.

Reports also described clashes in the crowd and crowd trouble that required intervention as the disruption spilled beyond the pitch.

Pape Gueye strikes winner in extra time

With Morocco failing to capitalise, the match moved into extra time, and Senegal wasted no time delivering the decisive blow.

Four minutes into the additional period, Gueye unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner to put Senegal ahead, turning the final on its head and silencing the home crowd in Rabat.

Senegal held firm to secure the trophy.

CAF investigation launched after 'unacceptable' behaviour

In the aftermath, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed it is reviewing footage and will refer incidents to disciplinary bodies, condemning the behaviour seen during the final.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also criticised the scenes, describing the conduct as unacceptable and stressing the importance of respecting match officials and protecting the image of the game.

Senegal's triumph, whilst historic, was therefore overshadowed by one of the most contentious and chaotic AFCON finals in modern history - a night of controversy, confrontation and ultimately celebration for the champions of Africa.

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