A controversial refereeing decision has ignited a firestorm of debate following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal on January 18, 2026. A late disallowed goal in the 93rd minute, coupled with a penalty call and subsequent Senegalese player protest, overshadowed the championship match and sparked outrage from fans and analysts alike. The incidents raise questions about the request of the laws of the game at the highest level of African football and the role of VAR in crucial moments.
A controversial late call by referee Jan Jack Nadal sparked outrage in the final moments of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, as a potential game-winning goal for Senegal was disallowed in the 93rd minute.
Senegal thought they had scored a dramatic, stoppage-time winner, but the goal was quickly overturned by the official.
Replays showed a challenge between Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, with the Moroccan falling to the ground and the referee subsequently calling a foul.
Was Senegal’s Goal Legit Against Morocco?
The decision to disallow the goal was met with fierce protests from the Senegalese players, who argued the contact was minimal and insufficient to warrant a whistle, especially so close to full time.
While some believe the referee correctly applied the laws of the game, others maintain the goal should have stood, and the timing of the call only amplified the controversy. The incident quickly became the central talking point for fans and analysts alike.
The contentious moment followed a Senegal corner kick, which initially struck the crossbar before falling to Ismaila Sarr, who slotted the ball into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the “Lions of Teranga.”
However, the referee had already blown his whistle before Sarr’s shot, citing a foul by a Senegalese player for a push on Achraf Hakimi inside the penalty area.
Extra time!
The action continues. 🇸🇳🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/20k8CZoS1m— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Penalty Decision Leads to Senegal Walk-Off
In the 98th minute, the referee consulted VAR and awarded a penalty to Morocco after reviewing a challenge by Senegal’s Haji Malik Diouf on Ibrahim Diaz during the earlier corner.
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé then instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, and they promptly did so, bringing the match to a temporary halt.
ساديو ماني يطالب زملاءه بالعودة إلى أرضية الملعب 👏⚽#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا| #المغرب_السنغال#AFCON2025 | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/91fc1usGRO
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 18, 2026
Senegal eventually returned to the field, but Ibrahim Diaz subsequently missed the penalty, with Mendy making a comfortable save after the Real Madrid player shot straight down the middle.
