Senegal left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf has come out in defence of the Teranga Lions’ leadership following their dramatic walkout during the final of the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against hosts Morocco.
The showpiece encounter was suspended for about 17 minutes after Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
The spot-kick decision followed a VAR review that ruled Diouf had pulled Brahim Díaz to the ground during a corner kick.
However, Díaz’s audacious Panenka attempt was comfortably saved by an unshaken Edouard Mendy, sending the final into extra time.
Senegal eventually emerged victorious, with Pape Gueye scoring a stunning goal in extra time to seal the title.
Reflecting on the controversial incident, Diouf expressed pride in his teammates, praising their unity and leadership in a highly charged atmosphere.
“For me, it was an away game,” Diouf told Sky Sports.
“It was really, really difficult. But about our team-mates, the leadership, we have a lot of leaders. As a young player, I don’t need the pressure. I don’t need it. I just play my football.
“I do what I have to do on the pitch and then you will see the result. So it’s what I follow.
“And we are champions. So I think this was the main thing. I’m just proud of me and proud of my team-mates. This was our goal!,” he added.
The chaotic scenes that marred the final have since attracted disciplinary action, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Morocco’s players handed fines totalling more than £732,000, alongside additional sanctions.
