After confusion, Senegal is African Cup champion

The Senegal national team won the final match against Morocco on Sunday (18) and became champions of the African Cup of Nations. The 1-0 scoreline was enough, but the match in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, was marred by confusion, which prompted a statement from Fifa.

The match between the teams was 0-0 when, near the end of the second half, the referee signaled, with the help of VAR, a controversial penalty for the Moroccan team. The decision caused the Senegalese, who didn’t agree with the penalty, to leave the field in protest.

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After a few minutes off the pitch, the Senegalese players decided to return. Brahim Díaz, a Spaniard of Moroccan origin, miskicked the penalty – with a cavadinha – and the goalkeeper made an easy save. The match went to extra time and Pape Gueye scored the only goal at the start of extra time. With the win, Senegal became two-time African Cup champions.

FIFA

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, posted on his Instagram profile congratulating Senegal on their victory. He also praised the Moroccan team, but condemned the attitude of the Senegalese players. He wrote:

“Unfortunately, we witnessed unacceptable scenes on the pitch and we strongly condemn the behavior of some ‘fans’, as well as some Senegalese players and also their coaching staff. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play. Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport either. It’s simply not right.”

Senegal’s players and coaching staff are to be punished by Fifa. In addition to a fine, according to the Spanish sports newspaper As, the players could even miss out on this year’s World Cup.