Senegal leave pitch in protest over Morocco penalty in African Cup of Nations final

Deep into time added on at the end of the African Cup Of Nations final, with the teams level at 0-0, Moroccan player Brahim Diaz went down in the box after a tussle with Diouf at a corner.

After a VAR check the referee awarded a penalty to the AFCON host nation. The penalty looked soft, though Diouf had put his arm round Diaz’s neck.

The Senegal players were incensed by the decision and apparently at the behest of their coach Pape Thiaw initially decided not to carry on, with several players heading into the dressing room.

At that point it looked quite possible that Senegal would forfeit the match, crowning Morocco as African champions.

Senegal return to the pitch

After almost quarter of an hour of heated debate, Senegal player Mané persuaded his teammates to return to the pitch to carry on the final.

Brahim Diaz, who had won the penalty, took the spot kick, but tamely tapped the easiest of panenkas straight into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Mendy, who had stood still.

The referee blew for full time straight after the penalty, meaning the game went to extra-time, where Senegal went on to win, thanks to a superb strike from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute.

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