Morocco coach Walid Regragui strongly criticised the chaotic scenes that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, describing them as “shameful” after Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest late in the match. The incident occurred during the closing moments of normal time in the final at Rabat, which Senegal eventually won 1-0 after extra time.

The controversy erupted after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. Furious at the decision, several Senegal players left the field in protest, while some supporters attempted to enter the pitch, leading to clashes with stewards. The disruption halted the game for nearly 20 minutes.

Regragui said the stoppage reflected poorly on African football, noting that the prolonged delay unfolded with a global audience watching. Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to win the title when the penalty was finally taken deep into injury time, but Diaz’s chipped attempt was comfortably saved, sending the match into extra time.

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Senegal capitalised on the reprieve, with Pape Gueye scoring a decisive goal in extra time to secure the title for the second time in their history. Regragui suggested the lengthy delay may have affected Diaz’s concentration but stressed that his team must accept the outcome and move forward.

The defeat was a bitter blow for Morocco, who were hoping to lift the continental trophy on home soil for the first time in 50 years. It marked their first loss since the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and ended an impressive run for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.

Despite the disappointment, Regragui said the experience would serve as a lesson for his squad as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in North America. He also expressed concern over striker Hamza Igamane, who may have suffered a serious knee injury, adding to Morocco’s challenges following what he called a missed “chance of a lifetime”.

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