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 Jacques Ndala gave the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick 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 finally returned. Real Madrid forward Diaz missed the penalty with a 'Panenka' effort that was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a second triumph in five years for the Lions.
In the aftermath, Morocco coach Walid Regragui called Senegal's actions 'shameful' and FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the disturbances, asserting that violence has no place in football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced they would review the footage and take necessary actions against inappropriate behavior witnessed during the match.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick 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 finally returned. Real Madrid forward Diaz missed the penalty with a 'Panenka' effort that was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a second triumph in five years for the Lions.
In the aftermath, Morocco coach Walid Regragui called Senegal's actions 'shameful' and FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the disturbances, asserting that violence has no place in football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced they would review the footage and take necessary actions against inappropriate behavior witnessed during the match.
