In a recent assessment of the African Cup of Nations, football legend Thierry Henry offered a candid critique of the tournament’s dramatic conclusion, specifically addressing Senegal’s near-walkout in the final.
Henry argued that the team’s reaction was “wrong,” noting that wanting to leave the field is not the image one wants to project for African football or the sport globally.
While he expressed an understanding of their frustration stemming from a disallowed goal by Ismaïla Sarr and a subsequent penalty awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Diaz he maintained that the response should have remained professional despite the high stakes.
Henry shifted the weight of the blame away from the players and even the individual officials, pointing instead to a systemic lack of preparation.
He remarked that “the referees are not at the level of the show,” clarifying that his criticism is aimed at the lack of training provided to officials to match the elite standard of modern football.
Despite these controversies, Henry remained positive about the tournament’s overall quality, noting that it became “more interesting” from the quarterfinals onward.
He concluded by praising the “great tournament” and the enduring legacy of stars like Sadio Mané, affirming his commitment to always watching and supporting the African Cup of Nations.
A dramatic twist unfolded in the dying minutes of the AFCON final on Sunday after Senegal’s players headed straight to the dressing room following the award of a penalty to Morocco, signalling their refusal to continue the match.
The Lions of Teranga temporarily refused to finish the Africa Cup of Nations final with the game level at 0-0.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw tried to usher his team off the field in the 98th-minute when the hosts were awarded a spot-kick when defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz.
Thiaw, 44, was irritated with referee Jean Jacques Ndala – who awarded the penalty after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitor – for ruling out a goal for his side moments earlier.
Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had bundled home from close-range, but his effort was chalked off after a foul from Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.
The huge decision made Senegal players livid, as Morocco seemed to have the chance to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with seconds remaining after the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a tense VAR review, saying Diouf (Senegal) dragged down Brahim Diaz (Morocco) in the penalty area.
Players surrounded the officials in visible disagreement before collectively walking off the pitch, bringing the game to a sudden halt.
Morocco’s players remained on the field as they were trying to convince the Senegal players to return onto the pitch, even as the officials attempted to calm the situation, while stadium officials and match organisers moved in to assess whether play could resume.
