Senegal Exits Field Following Morocco’s Controversial Afcon Final Penalty
In a dramatic turn of events, Senegal exited the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco following a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to the hosts. The match, held in Morocco, was poised at 0-0 when the crucial moment occurred.
Controversial Penalty Decision
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, expressed his frustration after the referee, Jean Jacques Ndala, awarded a penalty in the 98th minute. The decision came after a VAR review of an incident where Senegal defender Abdoulaye Seck was deemed to have fouled Moroccan player Brahim Diaz.
Key Moments of the Match
- Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty after VAR review.
- Brahim Diaz took the penalty but failed to score.
- Ismaila Sarr had a goal ruled out for Senegal due to a foul.
Emerging from the dressing room, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy sought to rally his teammates. Alongside star player Sadio Mane, Mendy returned to the field just in time to save Diaz’s poorly executed panenka penalty.
Match Conclusion
With Ndala blowing the full-time whistle shortly after the penalty save, Senegal transitioned into extra time and broke the deadlock. Pape Gueye scored just four minutes into extra time, bringing a renewed sense of hope for the Senegalese side.
The controversial nature of the penalty decision left fans divided. As Senegal navigates the aftermath of this contentious match, the team’s resilience will be critical in future competitions.
