An extraordinary conclusion to a high-stakes tournament. Sénégal claimed a 1-0 victory over Maroc in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final on Sunday, January 18. A goal from Pape Gueye during extra time sealed the win, handing Sénégal the second championship in their history. The match, played against the host nation, was defined by an epic script and a fair share of controversy following a series of debated officiating calls in the closing moments. In France, supporters from both nations gathered at the sports palace in Saint-Denis to witness the historic event.
As the clock hit the 96th minute, the Maroc supporters were in high spirits, celebrating a penalty awarded to their side. However, the mood shifted instantly when the Sénégal players, frustrated by a previously overturned goal, began to walk off the pitch in protest against the referee’s decisions.
“Honestly, it lacks sportsmanship”
Among the crowd in Saint-Denis, Hassan and his son Sami, both Maroc fans, were stunned by the turn of events. “It was the official’s call; why would they try to ruin the moment?” Hassan questioned, noting that while fans often complain about refereeing, refusing to play is another matter. “It isn’t fair-play,” he added. Sami shared the sentiment, expressing that stopping the game in the final minute felt wrong.
Following a twenty-minute delay, the Sénégal squad returned to the field. Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the penalty, allowing the match to proceed into extra time where Sénégal eventually took the lead. “I am incredibly proud of this win,” said Ibrahima, a joyous supporter. “The result is all that matters. We won, and today is a day for celebration.”
Reflecting on the brief walkout, the Lions of Terenga supporter admitted it wasn’t the best display of sportsmanship. However, he credited Sadio Mané for his leadership. The veteran star, playing in his final CAN, was instrumental in convincing his younger teammates to return to the pitch and finish the game after their initial protest against the penalty call for Brahim Diaz.
As the final whistle blew and the sound of horns filled the air from celebrating Sénégal fans, the disappointment among the Maroc supporters was palpable. Many were left ruminating on the missed penalty, with some even questioning the nature of the miss. While those following Burkina Faso latest news have seen many surprises this season, the heartbreak in Rabat was unique.
“He shouldn’t have hesitated during the strike. We would have had the win otherwise!”
A Maroc supporter
“It’s unbelievable; he practically handed it to the keeper,” lamented one young fan, claiming the loss was enough to make him skip school the next day. Many shared this sense of frustration as Maroc saw the title slip away in their own home stadium in Rabat.