When I did a report on AFCON 2025 I mentioned the final had some bizarre moments, without elaborating. Highlights of the game by CAF are sanitised, restricted to areas that I'm excluded from or such poor quality. I'll try to piece what happened together.
In regular time late in the second half, Senegal had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build up. The game ends 0-0. I found the extra time timelines vague. Sometime in extra time, Morocco were awarded a penalty and the Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest. The game was help up for at least 15 minutes until the Senegalese players returned. The penalty kick was taken and not scored.
Senegal went on to score a goal and win the tournament. Morocco felt the walk off should have ended the match and it be awarded to them and lodged an appeal. It finally came, back in Morocco's favour and they were awarded the game 3-0. Now Senegal is going to appeal that decision.
This whole thing could have been handled differently. I thought that the referee should have gone to the Senegal camp and said if all the players aren't back in five minutes and in their places for the penalty, you will forfeit the game.
The referee is the final arbiter and if he handled it poorly, so be it. By allowing the walkoff not to be punished at the time, that was his call. I don't agree with it, but that should stand. By making a retrospective decision, this could establish a precedent for other games having decisions overturned after the match is concluded.
The referee was weak and CAFs belated ruling makes the game in Africa look poorly run. Senegal should be the winners despite their petulant behaviour because the referee didn't act against it at the time. What a farce but then again, it is Africa we're talking here.
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