UPDATE

Senegal protest late penalty as Afcon final is delayed

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw urged his players to leave the pitch as tensions escalated

Last updated: January 19, 2026 | 01:25

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

1 MIN READ

Morocco's players react during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

AFP

Dubai: Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final was halted for nearly 20 minutes in dramatic scenes after Senegal players angrily protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

Most of the Senegal team walked off the pitch and angry away fans threw objects as they tried to enter the field of play at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco having the chance to win the final with practically the last kick of the match.

Brahim Diaz eventually took the kick in the 24th minute of time added on but his attempted chip was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score at 0-0 and sending the final to extra-time.

The penalty had been awarded by the Congolese referee following a lengthy VAR check for a challenge on Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Diaz led the protests following that incident, vehemently calling for a penalty to be given as the Moroccan bench joined in.

Stewards and police formed a barrier in front of the small section of Senegal supporters gathered at the opposite end of the stadium, and calm was eventually restored when extra-time began.

With inputs from AFP

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.