'Shameful' and 'terrible look' - the chaos that marred Senegal's Afcon triumph

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete by ByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalistJanuary 19, 2026 at 11:46 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, but the victory was marred by significant controversy. After the referee awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty following VAR review, Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw briefly pulled his team off the field in protest. The game was delayed for 17 minutes before Senegal returned. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal ultimately won in extra time. Morocco's coach Walid Regragui called Senegal's actions "shameful," and FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the "ugly scenes." Coach Thiaw later apologized for his actions, admitting he shouldn't have removed the team from the pitch.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ismaila Sarr 40% Gianni Infantino 40% Pape Gueye 40% Edouard Mendy 50% Walid Regragui 50% Brahim Diaz ×260% Sadio Mane 60% Jean Jacques Ndala ×370% Morocco ×270% Pape Thiaw ×580% Africa Cup of Nations ×280% Senegal ×790%

Keywords

africa cup of nations 100% senegal 90% controversy 80% team protest 70% referee decision 70% morocco 70% penalty 70% var 60% sportsmanship 50% walid regragui 40%