Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final was postponed for almost 20 minutes at the end of the match after Senegal players angrily protested a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco and fighting broke out in the stands.
Most of the Senegalese team walked off the pitch, and angry away fans threw objects as they tried to enter the playing field at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco having the chance to win the final with virtually the last kick of the match.
Brahim Diaz finally took the kick in the 24th minute of extra time, but his chip attempt was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, leaving the score at 0–0 and sending the final to extra time.
AS IT HAPPENED | SENEGAL VS MOROCCO AFCON LATEST HIGHLIGHTS
The penalty was awarded by the Congolese referee after a lengthy VAR check for a challenge on Diaz by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Diaz led the protests after that incident and vehemently called for a punishment to be imposed, while the Moroccan bank joined in.
Stewards and police formed a barrier to the small section of Senegal supporters gathered on the other side of the stadium, and calm eventually returned as extra time began.
Published on January 19, 2026
