Africa Cup final chaos: Referee controversy, missed penalty, extra-time goal

Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Final

Final score: Morocco 0 – 1 Senegal
Goal: Gueye 94′
Missed penalty: Dia (M), 90+24′

First half: Senegal takes control

Senegal entered the match aggressively and set a high tempo from the start. Playing under constant whistles from a packed stadium was challenging, but the team did not appear shaken. On the contrary, Senegal created significantly more threats near Yassine Bounou’s goal before halftime.

In the first half, they had two near-certain chances to score, and a third opportunity arose toward the end of the half – Sadio Mané took too long to strike, allowing Morocco’s defense to react.

The hosts, despite support from the twelfth player, looked restrained. Morocco only created one half-chance near Edouard Mendy’s goal, which clearly did not match their status as pre-match favorites.

Controversy in stoppage time

The second half was mostly balanced, but in stoppage time, unusual and questionable referee decisions emerged. The officiating team, led by Jean-Jacques Ndala from DR Congo, made several controversial calls.

First, Senegal’s goal at 90+2′ was disallowed due to a very doubtful foul against Achraf Hakimi. Then, at 90+9′, a penalty was awarded to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Diaz.

Chaos followed. Senegal’s coach Pap Diaw attempted to pull the team off the pitch. However, team leader Sadio Mané gestured for players to stay, urging them not to leave the field. Players were left unsure whether to follow the coach or the star player.

These back-and-forth moments continued for about 20 minutes, until the Senegalese team finally returned to the field. Diaz, who took on the responsibility of taking the penalty, was initially prevented from striking the ball – he was blocked by Mendy and Mané. When, at 90+24 minutes, he finally had the opportunity to take the spot-kick, he attempted a Panenka and sent the ball straight into the hands of the Senegalese goalkeeper. It appeared as though he did it deliberately.

This marked the end of regular time. The teams then entered extra time.

These back-and-forth moments continued for about 20 minutes, until the Senegalese team finally returned to the field. Diaz, who took on the responsibility of taking the penalty, was initially prevented from striking the ball – he was blocked by Mendy and Mané. When, at 90+24 minutes, he finally had the opportunity to take the spot-kick, he attempted a Panenka and sent the ball straight into the hands of the Senegalese goalkeeper. It appeared as though he did it deliberately.

This marked the end of regular time. The teams then entered extra time.

Decisive goal by Gueye

In extra time, Senegal quickly scored. The team executed a rapid counterattack, which was finished in the 94th minute by a powerful and precise strike from Pape Gueye.

The hosts, despite their efforts, could not save the game. Senegal became the Africa Cup of Nations champions for the second time in their history.

Senegal became the Africa Cup of Nations champions