Senegal stage walk-off over controversial spot-kick drama before returning to claim second AFCON crown

Missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly through injury and suspension, Senegal faced a Morocco side at full strength. Both teams exchanged early chances, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denying an early Pape Gueye header to keep the game level.

Morocco relied on a disciplined counter-attacking system, creating dangerous openings in the 19th minute. Senegal responded with sustained pressure, but Iliman Ndiaye was unable to capitalize on a clear one-on-one opportunity before the break, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.

The hosts increased their intensity in the second half. A scoring chance arrived in the 57th minute when Bilal El Khannouss found Ayoub El Kaabi following an Achraf Hakimi through ball, but the striker failed to convert. Senegal nearly broke the deadlock in the final minutes of normal time, only for Bounou to save a curling strike from Ibrahim Mbaye.

The match took a chaotic turn during stoppage time. Senegal saw a goal disallowed for an Abdoulaye Seck foul on Hakimi. Shortly after, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for an El Hadji Malick Diouf challenge on Brahim Diaz. The Senegalese players initially walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a 10-minute delay before Sadio Mane convinced the team to return.

The tension continued as Diaz missed the subsequent penalty with a failed "Panenka" attempt, forcing the game into extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal with a strike into the top corner following a ball recovery by Mane. 

However, after the match, many Africans disagreed with Senegal's actions. Former Wimbledon forward Efan Ekoku criticised Thiaw and his players, insisting their temporary refusal to play was "not a good look for African football".

"It [the penalty award] was soft. It was foolish and reckless by El Hadji Malick Diouf, but the decision had been made and the players have to abide by that. You cannot do that [leave the pitch]. However aggrieved you feel at it you have got to let the referee and the rules [make the decision]... I have got some sympathy, but this is not a good look." - he said.

The 1-0 result marks Senegal's second title since 2021. Individual honors were awarded to Brahim Diaz (Golden Boot), Yassine Bounou (Goalkeeper of the Tournament), and Sadio Mane (Man of the Competition).