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Senegal Defeats Morocco to Win AFCON Title Amidst On-Field Controversies and Subsequent Sanctions

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Senegal Secures Second AFCON Title Amid Controversial Final Win Over Morocco

Senegal secured its second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title by defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in the final after extra time. The match was marked by a series of on-field incidents, including a disallowed goal, a disputed penalty decision, a team walk-off, and subsequent sanctions issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Road to the Final

In the semi-final matches, Senegal advanced to the final by defeating Egypt 1-0. Sadio Mane scored the winning goal in the 78th minute of their match, which was played on Wednesday in Tangiers. Senegal's central defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a yellow card in the 17th minute, his second in as many matches, leading to a suspension for the final. He was substituted due to injury in the 23rd minute. Morocco secured their place in the final by defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout.

The AFCON Final: Senegal vs. Morocco

The AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco took place on Monday (or Sunday, depending on sources) in Rabat. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The decisive goal was scored by Pape Gueye in the fourth minute of extra time, specifically the 94th minute. The play began with Sadio Mane, who passed to Idrissa Gana Gueye, who then found Pape Gueye. Gueye advanced and scored past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco attempted to equalize, with Nayef Aguerd heading against the crossbar in the second half of extra time. Senegal also had an opportunity to extend their lead, but Cherif Ndiaye missed.

Key Match Incidents and Controversies

The final was marked by several contentious moments:

  • Disallowed Goal: Earlier in the game, Senegal had a goal scored by Ismaila Sarr disallowed. Sarr's effort was nullified due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi during the build-up.

  • Stoppage-Time Penalty and Walk-Off: In the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal play, a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The decision followed a VAR review for a foul by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz in the box. Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his team to leave the field in protest of the decision. This action led to a match delay of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy temporarily left the field, but Sadio Mane encouraged his teammates to resume play.

  • Missed Penalty: Upon the players' return to the field, Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz took the penalty kick, which was saved by Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

  • Fan Behavior: During the delay caused by the penalty incident, some Senegal fans in their section of the stadium reportedly threw objects, including chairs, and attempted to access the field.

  • Ball Boy Conduct: Moroccan ball boys and flag bearers faced scrutiny for their conduct. Incidents included attempts to take Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy's towel. Reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was reportedly tackled and dragged across the turf while attempting to protect a towel for Mendy. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was observed throwing a Senegalese towel over an advertising board. Another Senegalese player, El Hadji Malick Diouf, also had to retrieve a towel from ball boys.

  • Scuffles: Reports indicated scuffles among players from both teams on the sidelines and altercations among journalists in press areas.

Post-Match Developments

Senegal's victory marked their second Africa Cup of Nations title in three editions. The loss ended Morocco's 27-international unbeaten streak. Following the win, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday, January 19, a public holiday for the nation.

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, expressed disappointment for the Moroccan people and congratulated Senegal despite the events surrounding the penalty decision.

He also stated that the game's events presented a "shameful" image for African soccer.

Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, later expressed regret for his decision to order the team off the field.

He stated it occurred "in the heat of the moment" and that the team accepts the referee's decisions.

Sadio Mane emphasized the importance of continuing the game to maintain a good image for football.

CAF Sanctions and Appeals

Africa's football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), imposed over $1 million in fines and issued player and coach bans following the final. These sanctions apply exclusively to African competitions.

  • Federation Fines: CAF announced fines of $615,000 for the Senegalese soccer federation and $315,000 for the Morocco federation for unsporting and improper conduct by their players, coaching staff, and supporters. Morocco's federation received an additional $200,000 fine for the behavior of its ball boys.

  • Coach and Player Bans: Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw received a five-game ban from African competitions and an individual fine of $100,000. Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two African games. Morocco's Achraf Hakimi received a two-game ban, with one game suspended, and Ismael Saibari was banned for three games and fined $100,000 for unsporting behavior.

  • Appeal Dismissed: CAF dismissed an appeal from Morocco to cancel the match result and declare Morocco the winner based on Senegal's walk-off.

Diplomatic Context

The aftermath of the game reportedly created diplomatic tension between Senegal and Morocco. Officials from both nations called for calm and emphasized their continued friendly relations. Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, during a trip to Morocco shortly after the game, remarked that the reactions should be interpreted as:

"emotional outbursts produced by fervor and not as political or cultural rifts."