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.
Referee Jean Ndala gave the penalty kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitch side monitor and review defender El Hadji Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz. Amid sensational scenes, head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, ushered his team off the field. Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and tried to encourage his Senegal team-mates to finish the game. Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the players did eventually return. Real Madrid forward Diaz, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, was trusted with the penalty, but his tame 'Panenka' effort was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy who barely had to move, and Ndala immediately blew his whistle for full-time. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for the Lions. In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal's actions were "shameful" and do not "honour Africa". FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the "ugly scenes" in a post: “Unfortunately, we witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands. We strongly condemn the behaviour of some “supporters” as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk. It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football, and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures”.
Source: BBC
