In brief
Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title, but the triumph was overshadowed by a chaotic scene in the final. Following a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco, Senegal's players briefly left the pitch in protest, leading to widespread criticism and condemnation from football officials, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time - but only after the final was overshadowed when they temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Amid sensational scenes, head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, ushered his team off the field.
Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and tried to encourage his Senegal team-mates to finish the game.
Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the players did eventually return.
Real Madrid forward Diaz, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, was trusted with the penalty, but his tame 'Panenka' effort was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy who barely had to move, and Ndala immediately blew his whistle for full-time.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for the Lions.
In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal's actions were shameful and do not honour Africa.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the ugly scenes in a post on Instagram.
After congratulating Senegal on their Afcon triumph and celebrating Morocco as exceptional hosts, the rest of Infantino's Instagram post was scathing of the scenes witnessed in the final.
He wrote it is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. It's simply not right, adding the decisions taken by the match officials must always be respected, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.
After the match, Mane said: Football is something special, the world was watching, so we have to give a good image for football.
