Dramatic scenes erupted at the full-time whistle of the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, as the managers of Morocco and Senegal had to be physically restrained following a match marred by controversy and protest.
A Final-Minute Controversy Sparks Chaos
The explosive confrontation between Morocco's Walid Regragui and Senegal's Papa Thiaw was triggered by a highly contentious decision deep into injury time. With the score locked at 0-0, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, a call that incensed the Senegalese bench.
In an unprecedented move, Senegal manager Papa Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest, bringing the showpiece final to an abrupt halt. The team remained off the field for approximately 20 minutes before eventually returning to see the drama through.
Penalty Miss and Extra-Time Winner
Upon the resumption, Moroccan star Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the fateful spot-kick, but his effort failed to find the net. With the penalty missed and the match still goalless, the game proceeded to extra time.
It was there that Senegal found the decisive moment, scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory and clinch the AFCON trophy. The win, however, was completely overshadowed by the earlier events.
Regragui's Stinging Criticism
In the aftermath, a furious Walid Regragui did not hold back in his condemnation of the opposition's conduct. The Moroccan boss accused Thiaw of bringing shame upon African football with the walk-off protest.
Summing up the extraordinary events, Regragui described the final as having 'a Hitchcockian script', referencing the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. The comment underscored the surreal and tense nature of the match's conclusion, where managerial conflict took centre stage.
The incident is sure to dominate discussions around the tournament long after the final whistle, raising serious questions about conduct and sportsmanship at the highest level of the game.
