Senegal coach defends AFCON final walk-off before expected sanction

Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time to win the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 19, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match was marked by controversy, including a late penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review, which Brahim Diaz failed to convert. Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal for Senegal in the 94th minute. This victory marks Senegal's second AFCON title in the last three editions. The match was further complicated by disallowed goals and heated disputes over referee decisions.

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.

Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time to win the AFCON final on January 19, 2026. Celebrations erupted in Senegal following the victory. The match was controversial due to a late penalty awarded to Morocco, which Senegal's coach protested, leading him to remove his team from the field. Play was suspended for 17 minutes before resuming, and Morocco subsequently missed the penalty kick. Senegal ultimately secured the win despite the contentious circumstances.

Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, defended his team's walk-off during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on January 22, 2026, stating it was an emotional response to perceived bias after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco. The walk-off caused a 15-minute delay and involved fighting on the field and in the stands. Despite the disruption, Sadio Mane convinced the team to return, and Senegal ultimately won 1-0 in extra time. FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticized the walk-off, and the Moroccan Football Federation is pursuing legal action with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, alleging the incident impacted the match's flow and player performance. Senegal now faces investigation and potential sanctions for their actions.

Senegal celebrated a dramatic 1-0 win over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, with Pape Gueye scoring in extra time. The match was marred by controversy when Senegal walked off the field after a late penalty call went against them. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino condemned the protest as unacceptable. The victory marked Senegal's first Africa Cup of Nations title since 2002. The team paraded through the streets of Dakar, celebrating their historic win. The match took place on January 20, 2026, in a location not specified in the article.

Morocco defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout to advance to the Afcon final, sparking celebrations across the country as they aim for their first title in 50 years. The victory occurred during the Afcon semi-finals. Senegal also secured a spot in the final by defeating Egypt in the other semi-final match. Morocco and Senegal will compete for the Afcon title on January 18th. The tournament is being held in an unmentioned location. The winner of the match will be crowned the Afcon champion.

Morocco and Senegal advanced to the AFCON final, sparking celebrations in both countries. Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in their Wednesday semifinal match held at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Goalkeeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou made two crucial saves for Morocco. Senegal secured their spot by defeating Egypt 1-0, with Sadio Mane scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute. The final match between Morocco, the host nation, and Senegal, the 2021 champions, will take place in Rabat on Sunday.

In the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, host nation Morocco advanced to the final after defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout. The match concluded with a 4-2 victory for Morocco after extra time failed to break the tie. The event took place on January 15, 2026, and sparked celebrations among Moroccan fans, particularly in Rabat. Al Jazeera reported on the jubilant reactions of supporters following Morocco's qualification for the final match of the tournament. Morocco's success in the competition has generated significant excitement and national pride as they compete on home soil.

Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, securing their place in the final. Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, sending Senegal through to face either Morocco or Nigeria. The match, held in Tangier, saw Senegal struggle to break down Egypt's defense despite controlling much of the game. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the final due to suspension and injury, while Habib Diarra is also suspended due to a yellow card. The victory marks Senegal's opportunity to win their second consecutive AFCON title.

Senegal will face Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6pm (17:00 GMT) on January 14, 2026. The winner of this game will advance to the final against either Nigeria or hosts Morocco. Senegal and Egypt are among the top contenders for the title, with both teams having a strong record in the tournament so far. The match is a crucial step towards determining the champion of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, views their AFCON 2025 experience, despite not reaching the final, as valuable preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Egypt lost to Senegal in the semi-final and will play Nigeria for the bronze medal in Morocco. Hassan highlighted the team's experimentation with different systems and exposure to diverse opponents as beneficial. He also noted that a lack of European-based players, unlike finalists Morocco and Senegal, may have hindered their progress. Egypt will compete in Group G of the World Cup, facing Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran in June 2026. Hassan believes the Nigeria match will provide further preparation for the World Cup.