19.01.2026 09:50
In the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal reacted to the penalty decision given in favor of Morocco after a VAR review by leaving the field. During this process, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's hand gesture became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. With the intervention of Senegal captain Sadio Mane, the team returned to the field about 10 minutes later. In extra time, Senegal won the match 1-0 with a goal from Pape Gueye, becoming the champions.
In the moments when Senegal withdrew from the Africa Cup of Nations final, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's hand gesture made a significant impact on the night. While those moments heightened the tension on the field, Senegal soon returned to the pitch and reached for the cup with a goal found in extra time.
IMAGES FROM THE WITHDRAWAL MOMENTS IMPACTED THE MATCH
In the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, hosted by Morocco, Senegal faced Morocco. After a VAR review, a penalty decision was made in favor of Morocco in the 90+8th minute, leading to a strong reaction from the Senegal side, and the team left the field heading to the locker room.
MENDY'S HAND GESTURE RAISED TENSION
During Senegal's withdrawal, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's hand gesture became one of the most talked-about moments of the final night. These images, which increased the tension in the stands and on the sidelines, were among the details that overshadowed the match.
MANE INTERVENED, SENEGAL RETURNED TO THE FIELD
With Senegal captain Sadio Mane stepping in to convince his teammates, Senegal returned to the field about 10 minutes later, and the match continued from where it left off.
SENEGAL CAME BACK, CLAIMED THE CUP
In the extra time of the match, Senegal took the lead 1-0 with a goal from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute. Maintaining the score in the remaining minutes, Senegal left the field with a victory and achieved the championship.