Article by Adrian Duţă – Published Monday, January 19, 2026 23:39 / Updated Monday, January 19, 2026 23:41
The Moroccans believe that the protest of the Senegalese, who wanted to leave the field when the referee dictated a penalty for Morocco at the end of regulation time, influenced the fate of the game.
After the Senegalese returned to the field, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty awarded to Morocco. The midfielder of Real Madrid tried a ladder, but the ball was caught by Edouard Mendy, in the 90th+24th minute. It ended 0-0, then 30 minutes of extra time were played. Pape Gueye scored the goal that gave Senegal the African Cup.
Morocco is considering asking for a replay of the final with Senegal
“Some members of the Moroccan Football Federation want the extra time of the AFCON final to be REPEAT. They claim that Senegal's threat to leave the field influenced the game, as stated in the official announcement.
Others believe that the fairest solution would be to restart play from the penalty spot, allowing Brahim Díaz to REPEAT the kick from 11 yards.
There is no unanimous decision yet, but there is great dissatisfaction within the federation, which is now looking for a possible solution together with CAF and FIFA,” the English from The Touchline write.
The Moroccan federation has already announced that it will appeal to FIFA
In fact, the Moroccans have officially announced that they will appeal to FIFA, without mentioning exactly what they will ask for.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announces that it will initiate legal proceedings with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to rule on the withdrawal of the Senegal national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as the events surrounding this decision, which occurred after the referee awarded a penalty considered fair by all experts.
This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the performance of the players. FRMF also expresses its sincere thanks to the entire Moroccan public, who remained loyal to the national team through their massive presence and unconditional support during all the matches of the national team, as well as other matches.
At the same time, thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this continental competition”, the Moroccan Federation sent through a statement.
