AFCON Final Chaos As Senegal Protest Late Penalty And Crowd Trouble Delays Match

Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final was thrown into chaos as the closing moments of regulation time were delayed by nearly 20 minutes following furious protests from Senegal players over a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco, while clashes also erupted in the stands.

Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, and enraged supporters hurled objects as some attempted to force their way onto the field at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The tension peaked as Morocco were handed a chance to decide the final with what was effectively the last action of normal time.

The spot kick, taken by Brahim Diaz in the 24th minute of added time, failed to break the deadlock as Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied him with a save, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 and pushing the final into extra time.

The controversial decision came after a prolonged VAR review by the Congolese referee, who ruled that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Diaz inside the box.

Diaz was at the centre of the protests, strongly appealing for the penalty, with members of the Moroccan bench also joining the calls.

Security officials and stewards quickly formed a protective line in front of a small group of Senegal fans at the far end of the stadium, and order was eventually restored as the match moved into extra time.

🤪 ¿La mejor final de la historia?

🤩 Golazo de Pape Gueye en el minuto 93' para adelantar a Senegal en la prórroga

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— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) January 18, 2026