'Not a good look for African football': Senegal criticised for temporary refusal to continue AFCON final

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·19. Januar 2026

'Not a good look for African football': Senegal criticised for temporary refusal to continue AFCON final

AFCON final overshadowed by Senegal’s extraordinary walk off in second half stoppage time

Senegal’s brief refusal to continue the Africa Cup of Nations final has been branded as “not a good look for African football".

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Sunday’s AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco descended into chaos at the end of the second half with the match still goalless.

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, and just moments after the Lions of Teranga had seen a goal ruled out, the host nation were awarded a controversial penalty.

However, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch before the spot-kick could be taken in protest of El Hadji Malick Diouf being adjudged to have brought down Brahim Diaz in the area.

Eventually cooler heads prevailed and the Senegal players - led by Sadio Mane - returned to the pitch as frustration soon turned to joy when Diaz saw his Panenka attempt saved by Edouard Mendy.

While covering the game on E4, former Nigeria forward Efan Ekoku was critical of Thiaw and the Senegal players for their temporary refusal to play on.

"It [the penalty award] was soft," Ekoku said E4. "It was foolish and reckless by El Hadji Malick Diouf, but the decision had been made and the players have to abide by that.

"You cannot do that [leave the pitch].

“However aggrieved you feel at it you have got to let the referee and the rules [make the decision]... I have got some sympathy, but this is not a good look."

Ex-Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel also said he could "understand the frustration" but walking off is "not what I want to see".

Diaz’s missed penalty sent the final into extra-time where Pape Gueye came up with the all important goal to clinch a second AFCON title for Senegal.