“A nuclear option”! Scandal of proportions after the chaos in the African Cup final » Replay of the match is demanded

Renowned ESPN soccer commentator Ian Darke has called for unprecedented disciplinary action against Senegal following the chaotic finish to Sunday night's final. Sadio Mane's national team defeated Morocco 1-0 in the last act of the competition, after he had left the field in the 90+7th minute of the game.

A replay of the Africa Cup of Nations final is being called for

Darke's extraordinary request comes as the football world is still reeling from the “unacceptable scenes” in Rabat, where the Senegalese team walked off the pitch in protest for a long period of time in second-half extra time.

Despite the 17-minute stoppage, Senegal won the match in extra time, a result Darke believes should not stand given how things played out afterwards, according to ringier.africa.

“Anarchy” on the ground

Writing on social media and speaking during post-match analysis, Darke argued that allowing a team to walk off the field and still be crowned champions sets a dangerous precedent for the sport.

“I admire Senegal as a very good football team, but you can't leave the pitch, delay the game 17 minutes and be declared AFCON champions,” Darke said. “There must be a huge punishment for such anarchy. The match should either be replayed at a later date or Morocco be declared 3-0 winners.”

Support for drastic measures

Darke's position echoes the frustrations of FIFA president Gianni Infantinowhich also condemned the “ugly scenes” seen during the finale. Although replaying an already concluded final is almost unheard of in football at a major tournament, supporters of the measure argue that the integrity of African football is at stake.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui suggested the 17-minute delay played a psychological role in Brahim Díaz's subsequent penalty miss, noting the player was “disturbed” by the long wait.

Commentators argue that if CAF does not act decisively, in the future teams may use the walk-off as a tactical tool to break the opposition's momentum.

CAF's imminent decision

CAF has already confirmed that it is reviewing the footage of the incident. Although a replay remains an unlikely “nuclear option”, the governing body is under immense pressure to impose severe sanctions. These could include:

• Stinging fines: Financial sanctions for the Senegalese Football Federation;

• Coaching suspensions: A lengthy ban for Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for leading to a walk-off;

• Player Suspensions: Bans for key players involved in confrontation with officials.

As the debate rages, the Lions of Teranga victory remains overshadowed by controversy, with many echoing Darke's sentiment that “the very essence of football” was put at risk in Rabat.