The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and host nation Morocco descended into chaos on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a series of controversial calls and dramatic events. Senegal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in extra time, but the match was marred by a walk-off protest by the Senegalese team, a missed penalty by Morocco, fan violence, and heated disputes.
The tension began building late in the second half. With the score tied 0-0, Senegal had a goal disallowed in the 92nd minute for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi. Replays suggested minimal contact, fueling Senegal's frustration. Moments later, Morocco was awarded a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have pulled down Brahim Diaz in the box. Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo made the call after a lengthy VAR review.
Outraged by the decision, the Senegalese players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest. This unprecedented act brought the game to a standstill for nearly 14 minutes. Amidst the confusion, some Senegalese fans tried to storm the field, leading to clashes with stewards and police. One fan was seen throwing a chair onto the pitch.
After intervention by Senegalese star Sadio Mané, the team returned to the field. However, the drama was far from over. Brahim Diaz attempted a "Panenka" penalty, gently chipping the ball down the middle, but Édouard Mendy easily saved it.
The game then went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal in the fourth minute. Despite the victory, the chaotic scenes overshadowed Senegal's triumph. The stadium emptied quickly after the final whistle, with few fans remaining to see the trophy lifted.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is likely to investigate the events that transpired during the final. Possible sanctions could be imposed on players, officials, or even the federations involved. CAF has previously stated its strong condemnation of any inappropriate behavior during matches, especially those targeting referees or match organizers.
The controversial refereeing decisions in the final have sparked debate about the standards of officiating in African football. In a similar situation, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) previously filed a complaint to CAF regarding refereeing decisions during the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Following that incident, CAF dismissed the head of its referees' department.
