Senegal players sparked an AFCON final controversy by leaving the pitch in protest during their match against Morocco on 18 January 2026. The incident occurred deep in injury time with the score at 0-0, after referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal's team returned after a delay, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Diaz's weak penalty kick.

The game, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with 66,526 fans, extended into extra time. Pape Gueye scored a brilliant goal in the fourth minute, securing a 1-0 win for Senegal. Meanwhile, enraged Senegal fans clashed with Moroccan security, leading to fights and smashed chairs in the stands.

Implications for African Football

The AFCON final controversy highlights tensions in high-stakes matches and raises questions about player conduct. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the actions, noting their impact on the sport's integrity ahead of global events like the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Morocco's hosting of the tournament served as a rehearsal for its 2030 World Cup co-hosting role.

Infantino stated: "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,"

He urged respect for officials' decisions to preserve football's essence. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) promised appropriate action against those responsible, without assigning blame.

Responses from Teams and Officials

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted his error in instructing the walk-off, telling beIN Sports: "After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn't have asked them to go off. I apologise for that." Gueye attributed the protest to a "feeling of injustice" over a disallowed goal earlier. Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed concern, saying: "The image we gave of African football was rather shameful," per AFP

Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and encouraged his teammates to return. Infantino praised Mane's role indirectly by avoiding criticism of him.