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Africa Cup of Nations Final Madness: Senegal Walks Off and Diaz Misses a Bizarre Penalty

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal took a dramatic turn in the 90th minute.

Senegal scored a goal, but it was disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi after a seemingly weak challenge, sparking considerable controversy.

Just minutes later, referee Ndala awarded Morocco another controversial penalty after a challenge on Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.

Coach Thiaw ordered his Senegalese players to walk off the pitch in protest, but Sadio Mane fought to bring his teammates back onto the field and resume the match.

After approximately 10 minutes of deliberations and what appeared to be direct intervention from the Senegalese Football Federation, and with Mane’s insistence on returning, the players finally returned to the pitch.

Brahim Diaz took the penalty in the 103rd minute, but incredibly, he attempted a Panenka-style shot that was easily saved by Edouard Mendy.

Diaz collapsed afterward, and coach Walid Regragui clearly reprimanded him. The match ended in a goalless draw, forcing extra time.