Introduction

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final was billed as a historic showdown between two footballing giants, Senegal and Morocco. However, what transpired on the pitch at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium went far beyond standard athletic competition. It became a defining moment of controversy, emotional volatility, and dramatic redemption.

While Senegal ultimately secured their second AFCON title in five years, the victory was overshadowed by a 17-minute halt in play, a “shameful” walk-off by the Senegalese team, and a missed penalty that left the football world stunned. This article dissects the chaotic events that marred the triumph, analyzing the referee’s decisions, the reactions of key players, and the broader implications for African football.

Key Points

Background

The Road to the Final

Entering the final, the narrative was already tense. Senegal, the 2021 champions, arrived in Rabat expressing “serious concerns” regarding security and logistical support. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) issued statements citing a lack of adequate safety when the team bus was swarmed by fans, as well as disputes over ticket allocations and training facilities. These pre-match tensions set the stage for a high-stress environment.

A Tournament Under the Microscope

Throughout the tournament, officiating had been a contentious topic. Reports from the BBC suggest that there was significant debate surrounding VAR decisions and referee appointments, with some observers noting that hosts Morocco appeared to benefit from favorable calls. This backdrop of scrutiny meant that every officiating decision in the final was viewed through a lens of intense suspicion.

Analysis: Anatomy of the Chaos

The final descended into chaos during the dying moments of regulation time. The sequence of events provides a case study in how quickly a football match can spiral out of control.

The Disallowed Goal and the Penalty

Tempers flared when Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr had a goal disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi in the build-up. Coach Pape Thiaw was incensed. Moments later, in the 98th minute, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after consulting the VAR pitchside monitor. The decision stemmed from a challenge by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

The Walk-Off (The 17-Minute Delay)

Reacting to the penalty award, Coach Thiaw ordered his team to leave the field. Amidst the confusion, several Senegal players began walking toward the tunnel. The situation escalated as some Senegalese supporters threw objects and attempted to breach security barriers to enter the pitch.

Crucially, not everyone followed Thiaw’s order. Veteran striker Sadio Mane remained on the pitch, visibly gesturing for his teammates to stay and play. His intervention proved decisive.

The Penalty Save

After a delay of approximately 17 minutes, the players eventually returned. Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, stepped up to take the penalty. In a moment of high tension, Diaz opted for a “Panenka” (a chipped penalty). It lacked conviction. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy barely moved, catching the ball comfortably. The whistle blew for full-time immediately after, sending the match into extra time.

The Decisive Blow

With momentum seemingly shifted, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory in the tournament’s knockout format (winning the final 1-0).

Post-Match Fallout

The immediate aftermath was hostile. Morocco coach Walid Regragui was scathing in his assessment, stating Senegal’s actions “do not honour Africa” and calling the walk-off “shameful.” Meanwhile, Thiaw’s press conference was cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room. In a later interview with BeIN Sport, Thiaw walked back his initial stance, admitting, “I apologize for the football… I made them come back. You can react in the heat of the moment.”

Practical Advice: Lessons in Sportsmanship and Crisis Management

The AFCON final offers critical lessons for players, coaches, and administrators regarding conduct under pressure.

1. The Role of Senior Players in Crisis

Sadio Mane’s reaction serves as a prime example of leadership. While emotions were high, Mane recognized that abandoning the pitch could lead to a forfeit or severe disciplinary action. His decision to stay and rally the team highlights the importance of experienced players maintaining composure when authority figures (coaches) lose it. Advice: Senior squad members must be trained to act as stabilizers during volatile moments.

2. Managing Refereeing Decisions

While the penalty decision was controversial, the reaction—walking off—crossed a line. As former Nigerian international Efan Ekoku noted, “You can’t do that… You have to let the referee and the rules [make the decision].”

Advice: Teams must understand that protesting officiating is permissible within limits, but physically removing oneself from the game is a breach of regulations that carries severe legal and sporting consequences.

3. Security and Logistics

The pre-match security concerns raised by the Senegalese Federation were valid. When players feel unsafe, their performance and decision-making are compromised.

Advice: Tournament organizers must prioritize clear communication and safety protocols to ensure teams are focused solely on the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Senegal walk off the pitch?

Senegal walked off in protest after referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco. The decision followed a disallowed Senegal goal, leading Coach Pape Thiaw to order his team off the field in a heat-of-the-moment reaction.

Did the penalty result in a goal?

No. Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, took a “Panenka” penalty—a gentle chip down the middle. It was easily caught by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and the score remained 0-0 at full time.

What was the final score?

The match ended 1-0 to Senegal in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the winning goal. This secured Senegal’s second AFCON title.

Did Senegal’s coach apologize?

Yes. Pape Thiaw admitted in a post-match interview that he should not have ordered his team off the pitch, citing the “heat of the moment” and offering apologies for the disruption to the game.

What did Sadio Mane say about the incident?

Sadio Mane expressed that football is special and the world was watching. He stated it would have been “crazy” to abandon the game entirely, preferring to lose rather than damage the image of African football. He urged his teammates to return and play.

Conclusion

The 2023 AFCON final will be remembered as a triumph for Senegal, but also as a match that exposed the fragility of officiating and emotional control in high-stakes football. The chaotic 17-minute stoppage, the missed penalty, and the subsequent walk-off created a narrative of controversy that almost eclipsed Pape Gueye’s heroic winner.

However, the resilience shown by Senegal—spearheaded by Sadio Mane and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy—proved that they could overcome not just the opposition, but the chaos itself. While Morocco coach Walid Regragui labeled the events “shameful,” the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for composure, respect for the rules, and the vital role of leadership in the beautiful game.