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. 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 five minutes into stoppage time. Officials and players jostled with each other while the referee consulted the touchline screen and again when Senegal walked off. Once the players returned to the field, Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip and his weak penalty 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 continued Morocco’s poor record in the tournament, which they only previously won 50 years ago. Senegal, who have won twice in the last three editions, handed top-ranked Morocco their first defeat in 27 internationals. Gueye’s powerful shot gave Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou no chance but he was forced into several other key saves, as was his counterpart Mendy in an end-to-end match.
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“We really wanted to win here,” Gueye said. “It was a very difficult match but we gave everything.” There was an early scare for the hosts as the first corner saw Pape Gueye steal in unmarked at the back post and head goalwards with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making a save. Senegal’s every move was jeered by an ear-splitting cacophony of whistles from the 66,526-strong crowd, but they were undaunted as they took the game to Morocco.
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