Africa’s largest continental soccer tournament, called the African Cup of Nations, saw its final held on January 16th. The match was between two soccer giants in Africa, Morocco and Senegal, that constantly produced some of the best talent within the country. However, the match has gained traction in world sports lately not for the performances of either team, but rather for the outlandish things that occurred during the match.
While Senegal won the game 1-0 on a late game winner, it did not come without a very large amount of controversy. During the first 90 minutes of the match the score was 0-0 and lacked a large amount of action, however, once Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr saw his would-be winner disallowed via a foul that happened off the ball the rage sparked.
Furthermore, shortly after this debated officiating call Morocco was awarded an even more controversial penalty kick that set off the entire stadium. Tons of fans started fighting, players and coaches were protesting the decision and Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his players to leave the pitch and go into the locker room.
After 14 minutes and a begging from Senegalese legend Sadio Mane, the players returned to the pitch and allowed the penalty to happen. Stepping up to the spot was eventual tournament Golden Boot winner and Real Madrid player, Brahim Diaz. However, a tournament that had been rewarding for the Moroccan forward quickly changed pace as his Panenka, a chip style penalty that goes down the middle, was saved by Senegalese keeper Edouard Mendy.
Following the missed penalty, the match went into extra time and in the fourth minute Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye put the nation in charge as he scored an absolute wonder goal from the edge of the box.
The rest of added time saw no goals, meaning it was Gueye’s strike that guaranteed Senegal their second ever AFCON victory. Overall, the competition continues to be one of the most overlooked sporting events in the world as it constantly delivers on its high performing players and even higher intensity atmosphere.
