Senegal Receive Punishment Verdict but Sadio Mané Hailed After AFCON Final Drama

In a chaotic AFCON 2026 final on January 18 in Rabat, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations title, but the match descended into controversy that led to post-game repercussions[1][2][6].

The game, hosted at Morocco's Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw intense action from the start. Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou made stunning saves, denying Pape Gueye and Nicolas Jackson early on, while Nayef Aguerd nearly scored for the hosts before halftime[1][6]. Senegal, missing suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, relied on their stout defense led by Édouard Mendy[3].

Tensions peaked in second-half stoppage time when referee awarded Morocco a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf handled on Brahim Díaz. Most of Senegal's team, led by Sadio Mané, protested by walking off the pitch toward the dressing room before returning[1][2]. Díaz's cheeky Panenka attempt was saved by Mendy, keeping the score 0-0 and forcing extra time[1][6].

Four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to give Senegal the lead, silencing the home crowd and securing the win despite further drama, including a disallowed goal by Ismaila Sarr due to a pre-whistle foul[2][7]. The match was marred by supporter violence, but Senegal held firm for their second title since 2021[6][8].

Post-match, Senegal received a punishment verdict from CAF for the walk-off protest, facing a fine and potential points deduction in future tournaments. Despite the sanction, Sadio Mané was universally hailed as a hero for his leadership and restraint, calming teammates and preventing escalation. Morocco coach Walid Regragui called the scenes "shameful," but the hosts earned the Fair Play award amid the bad-tempered affair[8][10].

Prize money saw champions Senegal pocket $11.6 million, with runners-up Morocco getting $4 million[4]. The final etched itself into AFCON lore as a tale of resilience, controversy, and Mané's grace under pressure.

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