Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has lifted the lid on the extraordinary scenes that unfolded during Senegal’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final win over Morocco, revealing how laughter inside the dressing room helped defuse one of the most dramatic moments in tournament history.
The 36-year-old was at the centre of events during a night that saw Senegal briefly walk off the pitch before eventually lifting the AFCON trophy.
AFCON final descends into chaos
Last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final ended in unprecedented disorder before Senegal edged past hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time. Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute winner settled the contest, but it was far from the defining moment of the night.
The flashpoint came earlier, when Ismaïla Sarr thought he had given Senegal the lead, only for referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to rule the goal out for a foul in the build-up. Minutes later, following a VAR review, Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting fury from the Senegalese bench.
Head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest, triggering a 17-minute stoppage that left the final hanging in the balance.
Gueye explains referee tensions
Speaking to Onze Mondial, Gueye admitted frustration had been building long before the walk-off.
“Throughout the match, there were a lot of little things. The referee was calling everything against us,” — Idrissa Gana Gueye
As captain on the night, the Everton midfielder said he took responsibility for managing the situation on the pitch.
“We knew the only person who should talk to him was me. So I went to speak to him calmly, laughing, smiling, chatting with him, trying to lighten the mood as much as possible,” — Idrissa Gana Gueye
Despite those efforts, the penalty decision proved to be the breaking point.
Walk-off sparks dressing-room debate
After Senegal left the field, confusion reigned as players and staff debated whether the match would resume. Gueye described scenes of chaos as emotions ran high.
“We were wondering, ‘Do we play or not?’ There was shouting, pushing and shoving. Everything that happened was in the spirit of competition.”
Sadio Mané played a key role in calming the situation, refusing to leave entirely and speaking with senior figures before addressing the squad.
‘We kept laughing’ before penalty miss
Eventually, Senegal agreed to return to the pitch — a decision that proved decisive. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz then missed the penalty, attempting a Panenka, swinging momentum back Senegal’s way.
Gueye revealed the mood inside the dressing room had unexpectedly shifted.
“We spoke with the coach and then Sadio said, ‘Let’s go back and play.’ And then we started laughing amongst ourselves, saying, ‘Besides, he hasn’t even scored yet.’ And we kept laughing,” — Idrissa Gana Gueye
Senegal went on to score in extra time and secure the title in one of the most remarkable finals the competition has seen.
Key Insights
- Senegal briefly walked off during the AFCON final
- Refereeing decisions triggered a 17-minute stoppage
- Gueye acted as captain and mediator on the pitch
- Sadio Mané convinced the squad to return
- Laughter preceded Morocco’s missed penalty
What’s Next
Senegal now turn their attention to World Cup qualification, with the AFCON triumph reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s leading sides. For Gueye, the experience stands as a reminder that composure — and even humour — can decide the biggest moments.
Was Senegal right to walk off in protest, or did they risk throwing away the AFCON final entirely?
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