Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has admitted his side “went too far” by briefly walking off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, describing the incident as a human error made in the heat of an emotionally charged contest.
Speaking on French television after Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory in Rabat, Gueye addressed the flashpoint that overshadowed the final stages of the match and triggered widespread debate across African football.
“We are only human. We realised our mistake and came back out,” Gueye said. “Anyone can make a mistake.”
Walk-Off, Delay and a Missed Penalty
The AFCON final controversy erupted late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a penalty, a decision that angered Senegal’s players and led to a brief walk-off in protest. The stoppage delayed the match for more than 20 minutes as officials worked to restore order.
When play resumed, Morocco midfielder Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty. However, his attempted Panenka failed to find the net, compounding the drama of a final already heavy with tension.
“It was daring, and I would not have risked that myself,” Gueye said of the penalty attempt.
Senegal’s frustration had been building moments earlier after seeing a goal disallowed for what they believed was a soft foul, a decision that added fuel to the protest.
Mané’s Role in Calming the Situation
Gueye reserved special praise for captain Sadio Mané, crediting him with helping to defuse the situation and guide the team back onto the pitch.
“He found the right thing to say at the right moment, and it shows just how important he is to us,” Gueye said. “We owe him a big thank you.”
Mané remained on the field throughout the stoppage, repeatedly urging his teammates to return and allow the match to continue, a gesture that helped prevent further escalation.
Extra-Time Decider and Aftermath
With tensions still high, the final moved into extra time. It was Gueye who delivered the decisive moment, scoring the winning goal to secure Senegal’s AFCON triumph in a match that will be remembered for both its drama and controversy.
In the aftermath, the Moroccan Football Federation confirmed it had formally referred the walk-off and aspects of supporter behaviour to the Confederation of African Football and FIFA. No disciplinary measures have been announced, and CAF has yet to issue a formal ruling.
Reflection, Not Defiance
Rather than doubling down on protest, Gueye’s comments struck a conciliatory tone. He framed the walk-off as an emotional lapse rather than an act of defiance, stressing that Senegal’s priority was to finish the match properly.
For Senegal, the AFCON final controversy ultimately ended in celebration, with a narrow victory and another continental title. For Morocco, the missed penalty and prolonged stoppage remain painful moments in a final that continues to provoke debate across African football.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.