The Digest:
During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal’s team walked off the pitch in protest after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty. The incident occurred in the 98th minute when defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz in the box. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw encouraged his players to leave the field in response to the decision. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy briefly went to the dressing room before returning, with captain Sadio Mane attempting to rally the team to resume play.
Key Points:
- The walk-off disrupts the continent’s most prestigious football match, disappointing millions of viewers and fans in the stadium.
- It sets a dramatic precedent for team protests in major finals, challenging the authority of match officials on the biggest stage.
- The action risks severe disciplinary consequences for the Senegalese football federation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- It reflects intense pressure and high emotions in a match where the host nation benefited from a late, decisive call.
- The incident immediately overshadows the sporting contest, shifting focus to officiating controversy and sportsmanship.
The response from CAF regarding the protest and the validity of the penalty decision will now become the immediate focus.
Sources: BBC Sport, Social Media Reports
