Accusations of corruption have erupted after hosts Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in their 1-0 African Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal on Sunday (January 18th). Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch when a spot-kick was given in the 90+8th minute after El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have brought Brahim Diaz down in the box.
There was outrage among the Senegalese players and coaching staff when VAR awarded a penalty just five minutes after Senegal had scored. A goal deflected in off Ismaila Sarr was ruled out, much to the fury of Thiaw's side, who saw no reason for the denial of a potential winner.
Thiaw's men finally returned to the pitch for the spot kick to be taken, but Diaz dinked the ball straight at former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. It proved to be the final kick of regulation time in a final marred by two extremely contentious decisions.
Senegal Players Leave Pitch After Penalty Decision
Senegal's anger ensued after a corner found Idrissa Gueye at the far post before his header came off the woodwork and was put in on the rebound by Sarr. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala cut short the Senegalese celebrations by awarding a foul in the build-up to the goal.
To make matters worse, Diaz went down in the box after Diouf appeared to have him around the Real Madrid attacker's neck. The referee was advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor and awarded a penalty.
Both sets of players were involved in a row after the spot-kick was given, and Thiaw decided to take his players down the tunnel. It took 11 minutes before the Lions of Teranga returned to the pitch, although Sadio Mane remained on the touchline throughout the ordeal.
Watch Senegal players leave the pitch below:
Diaz was prepared to take the penalty as Mendy was given a booking after approaching the Madrid star. His tame attempt was easily claimed by the shot-stopper and led many to question whether he intentionally chose not to score.
The Moroccan attacker was substituted in extra time and appeared emotional, watching on as Senegal took the lead. Papa Gueye hit a stunning strike to give Senegal the lead.
Senegal Accused Morocco of 'Unfair Play' Ahead of Final
Senegal's Football Federation had voiced concerns ahead of the AFCON final, issuing a statement calling on CAF and the local organising committee to address several issues. They claimed there was a lack of security, inadequate hotel accommodations, insufficient tickets and access to the stadium for Senegalese fans.
The African nation also refused to train at the Mohamed VI complex, which was the usual training centre for Morocco's team. They believed it compromised equal conditions and accused the hosts of unfair play.
AFCON has witnessed several scandals in the past, but tonight's drama in Rabat has many suggesting corruption. Somehow, the final didn't witness a red card during the frenzy, although plenty of yellow cards were dished out.
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