The controversial moments surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final are still hotly debated in the football community. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reacted to the incident and strongly criticized the actions of the Senegal national team members.
"We strongly condemn the actions of some Senegalese players and technical staff members. You can't leave the field like this," Infantino said.
The head of FIFA did not stop there: he emphasized that the relevant authorities of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should pay official attention to the issue and take the necessary measures.
What happened?
Initially, the Senegalese team scored in the 92nd minute, but the goal was disallowed: Abdulaye Sek was found to have kicked Ashraf Hakimi in a fight for the ball before he could score after a corner kick.
In the 96th minute, Braim Diaz fell to the grass in a match with Diouf for the ball after a corner kick in the opponent's penalty area. VAR called the referee to the monitor, and the referees reviewed the repeat footage and awarded a penalty to the Senegal goal.
Following this decision, Senegal's head coach, Pap Tjav, took the players off the field as a sign of protest. According to sources, the team returned to the field approximately 15 minutes later, and the game resumed.
One of the most dramatic moments was observed in the penalty episode: after Braim Diaz's 11-meter shot, goalkeeper Eduard Mendy reliably saved the ball. After the main time ended with a score of 0:0, the decisive word was left for the extra sections.
In extra time, Pope Gueye's accurate long-range shot decided the final. Thus, Senegal won 1-0, becoming the champion of the tournament for the second time. They won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021.
Now one question is at the center of attention: what decision will CAF make regarding these episodes? It's clear that the final was a test of great pressure and emotions both on and off the field, but, as Infantino said, such a demonstrative departure shouldn't become a dangerous precedent for football.
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