Senegal Triumphs in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Amid Controversy

Senegal emerged victorious in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, a match that was not without its controversies. Head coach Pape Thiaw rallied his team off the pitch after a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco during stoppage time.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala’s decision to grant a penalty in the 98th minute, after Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have fouled Brahim Diaz in the box, left Thiaw visibly upset.

As Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy initially left the field, he later returned with captain Sadio Mane, both aiming to motivate their teammates to stay focused until the final whistle.

Former Nigerian striker Efan Ekoku commented on the situation during an analysis on E4, saying, “You cannot do that. No matter how aggrieved you feel, you must allow the referee and the rules to make the final decision. While I have some sympathy for the feelings involved, this is not an ideal scenario.”