Senegal walk off in Africa Cup of Nations final after controversial Morocco penalty | OneFootball

Senegal briefly walked off during the Africa Cup of Nations final after a contentious VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco. According to Superdeporte, players and staff left the pitch in protest in an unprecedented scene.

Up to that point the final had been tense and finely poised, before a Diouf tug on Brahim in the area was penalised after a review. The decision triggered fury on the Senegal bench as players surrounded the referee.

Cameras showed head coach Pape Thiaw signalling for his side to head for the tunnel, with tempers flaring and both technical areas at odds as the stadium fell silent.

After several minutes of confusion, Sadio Mané calmed team-mates and persuaded them to return, attempting to restart the showpiece. The tension remained high.

Brahim then took the spot-kick, attempting a panenka, but failed to convert, adding to the sense of uncertainty that hung over the contest.

CAF is expected to comment in the coming hours on an episode that has sparked fierce debate over VAR and the competition’s credibility, with immediate reaction across social media and international outlets.

Source: Superdeporte