Sunday, 18 January marked the biggest night in African football in recent memory. This African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final was like no other, and it was quite easily the most controversial.
Hosts Morocco were aiming to win their first title in half a century while Senegal were attempting to repeat their 2021 heroics. The continent’s best had swept all who lay before them on their respective roads to the final and this was the ultimate showdown.
The chaos that dominated the evening began off the pitch and in the lead up to the game. Senegal were asked to train at the Moroccan training facility and declined the offer. Their players were also not afforded the usual security reserved for teams, especially in such a hostile environment against the home nation.
The match itself was a tight affair with not much separating the two sides. On the balance of play, Senegal edged it with Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou imperious in front of the goal. His fine form was seen in both the final and the semi-final against Nigeria.
Soon after the 90th minute, Senegal scored a goal from the corner which they and everyone else thought was the winning goal. Until moments later when the referee blew his whistle early and disallowed the goal, eliminating the use of VAR. A terrible bit of officiating with all eyes on this particular moment.
Moments later in the 97th minute, Morocco were awarded a penalty for an apparent foul on Brahim Diaz from a corner of their own. This was the moment that broke the camel’s back. Senegal were infuriated, not only by the decision, but also after being denied a legitimate goal in their eyes moments before. And on top of this, they were undoubtedly thinking about all of the unfair treatment they received in the buildup to the game.
As if that was not enough, Morocco continued a trend of stealing the opposition’s towels in wet conditions. Ball boys were seen harassing the Senegalese back-up keeper over possession of a towel, wrestling him to the ground in a manner which should not be anywhere near the pitch.
This trend of towel stealing had also occurred in their semi-final against Nigeria.
Senegalese head coach Pape Thiaw called his players off the pitch in protest. Most of the players returned to the dressing room as they were prepared to forfeit the match after walking out. Chaos ensued, but 15 minutes later, captain Sadio Mane played a pivotal role in calling his team back from the changing room and allowing the match to conclude.
Brahim Diaz stepped up after the near 17-minute delay to take the all important spot-kick. Astonishingly, he attempted a panenka (an audacious chip of the ball down the middle of the goal). Needless to say, keeper Édouard Mendy saw it coming from a mile away and Morocco’s chance of sealing the deal in normal time vanished.
Papa Gueye’s left-footed thunderbolt in extra-time proved to be the deciding moment of the game. The midfielder scored three goals in the tournament and impressed throughout, making him arguably Senegal’s best player. He saved his best for last as his shot from outside of the box finally broke the deadlock.
Sadio Mané became the third ever player to win multiple AFCON trophies and African Player of the Year awards, firmly positioning himself at the table of the best this continent has ever produced. He sits alongside the likes of George Weah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba to name a few.
French and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry condemned the level of officiating in the tournament, saying that the referees were not at the same level of the quality of football on show. He blamed the relevant parties for not training and equipping them to perform at the elite level.
Quite frankly, the standard of referees was simply not good enough with numerous games being under the spotlight for dubious decisions. Allegations of corruption once again resurfaced, and along with Senegal’s walkout, further engrained the negative image African football holds on the global stage.
On 28 January, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to sanction both nations for their conduct on that night. Pape Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100 000. Senegalese players Illiman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were suspended for two matches each for unsportsmanlike behaviour towards the referee. The Senegalese Football Federation was fined $300 000 for its players and staff violating CAF’s disciplinary code of principles, and a further $300 000 for its supporters’ improper conduct, bringing the game into disrepute. The last fine was for $15 000 for the misconduct of the national team due to five of their players being cautioned.
In terms of the Moroccan Football Federation, captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension for unsportsmanlike behaviour, while Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension for the same reason (man-marking the back-up goalkeeper of Senegal who tried to keep their towels safe). Saibari also received a $100 000 fine for his troubles. The inappropriate behaviour of the Moroccan ball boys earned them a $200 000 fine while their National Team and staff earned a $100 000 fine for invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee’s work. Another $15 000 fine was given for the team’s supporters using lasers to distract Senegal during the final. CAF has also rejected the appeal made by Morocco protesting the legitimacy of Senegal’s triumph.
All in all, this was an outstanding tournament with the quality of football on display. It was a true celebration of African culture and heritage, from the fans to the player’s vibrant entrances before games and everything in-between. However, it should not be remembered for the craziest of scenes which concluded the showpiece event.
