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Senegal Wins AFCON After Walk-Off Protest and Missed Penalty in Turbulent Final

Security lapses plus post-match unrest in the Netherlands intensified scrutiny of the tournament.

Overview

  • Senegal beat host Morocco 1–0 in Rabat after extra time to claim a second Africa Cup of Nations title.
  • Pape Thiaw ordered Senegal off the field when a stoppage-time penalty was awarded against them, before Sadio Mané brought the team back to resume play.
  • Referee upheld the decision, Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka and was denied by Édouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye netted the 94th-minute winner in extra time.
  • Mané was named player of the tournament, with Morocco’s Yassine Bounou recognized as best goalkeeper and Díaz finishing as top scorer with five goals.
  • Stadium flashpoints included ball boys wrestling Mendy over a towel, Thiaw’s press conference was canceled for safety, and Dutch police reported eight arrests in The Hague after disturbances.