Senegal Players Leave the Pitch in AFCON Final After Controversial VAR Decision

Senegal manager Pape Bouna Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch against Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a controversial VAR decision in extraordinary scenes.

Morocco and Senegal seemed destined to go into extra-time until the dying seconds of second-half extra-time.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz was fouled by West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf inside the box, with the match referee awarding a penalty following a VAR review.

The decision angered Senegal boss Thiaw, who told his players to leave the pitch in protestation.

The players went down the tunnel, throwing the AFCON final into doubt.

Cameras panned to the crowd, which spotted ex-Liverpool star El Hadji Diouf having a heated phone call with someone.

But the Senegal team eventually returned to the pitch in remarkable scenes.

Sadio Mane, who captains his national team, was instrumental in calling his teammates back to the pitch, underling his leadership qualities.

After the game resumed, Diaz fluffed his lines from the resulting penalty as his effort was easily saved by Edouard Mendy.

He attempted a Panenka but dinked it straight to former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy.

Chaos at the AFCON Final!

Senegal squad is heading back to the dressing room and refusing to finish the game!!

pic.twitter.com/KgdYUUdhGW

— Football Xtra (@FootballXtraaa) January 18, 2026

Extra-time followed as Senegal took the lead in the fourth minute of additional time.

Pape Gueye, of Villarreal, produced a moment of magic as he travelled with the ball before smashing home to open the scoring in the final.

His strike turned out to be the winner as Senegal beat Morocco to win the 2025 AFCON.

It's Senegal's first AFCON triumph since 2021 when they beat Egypt on penalties and their second AFCON title in the nation's history.

Senegal's AFCON victory means they will head into this summer's World Cup as African champions.

As for Morocco, it's heartbreak for the hosts as they were aiming to win their first AFCON title since 1976.

Like Senegal, they will also be in North America for the World Cup.