Surreal Scenes Mar CAN Final as Controversial Penalty Ignites Chaos

The final of the Africa Cup of Nations, pitting Morocco against Senegal, spiraled into disarray and controversy in Rabat this Sunday, casting a shadow over the image of football.

The turning point occurred in the dying moments of regular time when Moroccan player Brahim Diaz dramatically appealed for a penalty after a minor tangle with Senegal's El-Hadj Malick Diouf. Diaz, who had been a key player for Morocco, appeared to exaggerate his fall following a hand on his neck from the Senegalese defender.

Amidst a thunderous atmosphere at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, protected by security forces and under immense pressure from both teams, consulted the VAR. He subsequently awarded a penalty, igniting fury among the Senegalese squad.

Already fueled by accusations of favorable refereeing for the host nation throughout the tournament, the enraged Lions of Teranga, led by coach Pape Thiaw, began to leave the pitch. However, their influential captain, Sadio Mané, appeared hesitant. After a crucial discussion with Morocco's coach Walid Regragui and former Senegal coach Claude Le Roy, Mané urged his teammates to return.

"Sadio came to ask me what I would do in his place, I told him: 'I would ask your teammates to come back,' it's that simple," Le Roy recounted to AFP. Mané, a hero of the 2022 CAN victory, was then seen running to retrieve his teammates who had already headed for the dressing rooms.

Meanwhile, tension soared on the pitch and in the stands. Security forces formed a barrier in front of the Senegalese supporters' section, where seats were hurled onto the pitch, and some fans attempted to breach the field. The stadium announcer appealed for calm in French and English.

Adding to the chaos, journalists from AFP witnessed altercations erupting between representatives of Moroccan and Senegalese media in the press tribune.

In this atmosphere of intense confusion, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the controversial penalty. However, the competition's top scorer sent his "panenka" softly and poorly executed directly into the arms of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The missed opportunity proved pivotal, as Senegal ultimately triumphed after extra time, securing a memorable, albeit chaotic, victory that will undoubtedly become legendary in Africa Cup history.