Chaos at Africa Cup of Nations final after Senegal players walk off field to protest penalty

By Canadian Press on January 18, 2026.

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — The Africa Cup of Nations final has gone to extra time after finishing 0-0 in a chaotic end which saw Senegal players walk off the field when host Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the field on Sunday while Moroccan fans celebrated and whistled.

The Senegal players eventually returned and after 14 minutes’ delay in play, Édouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, and more Senegal fans tried storming the field. Tempers also flared in the press box with journalists fighting among themselves.

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AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press

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