‘Senegal will be investigated’ by CAF after ‘unacceptable’ scenes vs Morocco in incredible AFCON final
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has indicated that Senegal will be the subject of investigation from the Confederation of African Football after Sunday’s AFCON final.
Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 on Sunday, after Pape Gueye’s goal marked the difference between the sides in extra time.
But the headlines have been dominated by two incidents that took place in the final 10 minutes of normal time.
Senegal looked to have taken the lead before Ismaila Sarr’s goal was ruled out for an apparent foul on Achraf Hakimi.
The decision was protested, but play went on and Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled.
Keith Hackett stunned by AFCON scenes
Senegal were incensed by the penalty decision in the AFCON final, and stormed off the pitch with many of the players retreating to the dressing room.
It was an almost surreal sight as Sadio Mane and the officials attempted to encourage the team back onto the pitch as the rest of the stadium exploded in chaos around them.
| Senegal | Match stats | Morocco |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
| 14 | Shots | 21 |
| 7 | On target | 4 |
| 1.71 | Expected goals (xG) | 2.18 |
| 8 | Corners | 10 |
After a saga that lasted almost 20 minutes, the players eventually returned to the pitch and prepared for Diaz to take the penalty.
The Real Madrid winger had an eternity to think about where he would place his kick, but his chipped effort will likely go down in history among the worst penalties ever.
Reacting to the scenes, Hackett exclusively told Football Insider: “The walking off the field is unacceptable and the authorities must act on this lack of discipline.
“This public demonstration walking off the field of play will, of course, be investigated by the authorities.”
Walid Regragui slams Pap Thiaw after ‘shameful’ scenes
Morocco manager Walid Regragui was, understandably, furious following the final whistle.
The 50-year-old was captured confronting Thiaw on the pitch, with the two exchanging words before they were eventually pulled apart by a mixture of staff and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
While there is significant debate about the goal that Senegal believe should have been awarded, there is also no doubt that Thiaw’s actions affected Diaz’s ability to take the key penalty.
Speaking after the game, Regragui said: “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful. A coach who asks his players to leave the field, what Pape did does not honour Africa.
“He had already started in the press conference. He wasn’t classy. But he is a champion, so he can say whatever he wants.
“We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes. That didn’t help Brahim. That doesn’t excuse Brahim for the way he hit the penalty. He hit it like that and we have to accept it.”