In a night defined as much by a stand-off as by the sport itself, Senegal has been crowned champions of Africa for the second time. However, the victory follows a chaotic scene in Rabat that nearly saw the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final abandoned in a moment of unprecedented protest.
The match was thrown into turmoil during the eighth minute of stoppage time with the score locked at 0-0. After Senegal saw a seemingly legitimate goal disallowed, the referee immediately awarded a penalty to Morocco. Enraged by the swing in officiating, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his squad off the pitch in a collective walk-off that brought the continental showpiece to a grinding 16-minute halt.
While the tournament’s reputation hung in the balance, it was veteran forward Sadio Mane who stepped into the role of diplomat. Despite initially following his team toward the tunnel, Mane spearheaded the effort to bring the Teranga Lions back to the field.
Speaking in the aftermath of the trophy celebration, Mane was candid about the gravity of the moment. The former Liverpool star prioritized the global image of the game over the immediate frustration of the officiating.
“It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen,” Mane stated. “Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that.”
Mane, now playing in a burgeoning era for African talent, highlighted that the world is watching closer than ever. “African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world. So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.”
The gamble to return paid off in spectacular fashion. Upon the resumption of play, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz attempted a daring ‘Panenka’ penalty, only to see it smothered by Senegalese keeper Edouard Mendy. The save shifted the momentum entirely, leading to a sensational extra-time strike by Pape Gueye that sealed the championship for Senegal.
The victory, however, has left a complex legacy. While Senegal celebrates, the coaching staff has had to answer for the brief revolt. Coach Pape Thiaw, having had time to cool down, expressed regret for the disruption.
”After reflecting on it I made them come back (on the pitch) – you can react in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw told BeIN Sports. “We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
The gamble to return paid off in spectacular fashion. Upon the resumption of play, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz attempted a daring ‘Panenka’ penalty, only to see it smothered by Senegalese keeper Edouard Mendy. The save shifted the momentum entirely, leading to a sensational extra-time strike by Pape Gueye that sealed the championship for Senegal.
The victory, however, has left a complex legacy. While Senegal celebrates, the coaching staff has had to answer for the brief revolt. Coach Pape Thiaw, having had time to cool down, expressed regret for the disruption.
“After reflecting on it I made them come back (on the pitch) – you can react in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw told BeIN Sports. “We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
