The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation and threatened 'appropriate action' following a deeply controversial Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, 19 January 2026. Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat, but the match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes including a mass walk-off by the Senegalese team and attempts by fans to storm the pitch.
Unprecedented Walk-Off and Penalty Drama
The extraordinary flashpoint occurred deep into stoppage time of a goalless second half. In the 98th minute, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after a VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. This decision, coming just minutes after a Senegal goal by Ismaila Sarr was controversially disallowed, sparked immediate fury.
Led by their coach Pape Thiaw, most of the Senegalese players stormed off the pitch in protest, heading for the dressing room. The decision also ignited scuffles between Moroccan substitutes and Senegalese players, with Morocco coach Walid Regragui attempting to intervene. Anger then spilled into the stands, where Senegalese fans attempted to breach the barriers behind one of the goals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Return to Play and Decisive Extra-Time Winner
After a delay of approximately 14 minutes, the Senegalese players were persuaded to return to the field by captain Sadio Mane. The penalty was finally taken as the last kick of normal time, but Brahim Diaz's weak, chipped effort was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye became the hero for Senegal. In the 104th minute, he swept a left-footed shot into the top corner to secure a 1-0 victory and Senegal's second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Official Condemnation and Pending Sanctions
Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have strongly condemned the events. CAF stated it was reviewing all footage and would refer the matter to 'competent bodies' for action against those found guilty of 'unacceptable behaviour'.
In a stern rebuke, Infantino criticised the 'unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands'. 'It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport,' he said, adding that the 'ugly scenes... must be condemned and never repeated'.
While Senegal celebrated their hard-fought victory, and Morocco lamented a missed opportunity, the fallout from the final's chaotic conclusion is set to continue as football's governing bodies determine their response.
