To say that West Ham United star El Hadji Malick Diouf was heavily involved in the Africa Cup of Nations final would be an understatement.
Diouf’s Senegal won the AFCON final in Morocco after extra-time in the Moroccan capital of Rabat but that does not tell the whole story.
With the score at 0-0, the West Ham United defender appeared to have given away a late penalty just after Ismaila Sarr had a goal ruled out due to an offside call.
In some of the most remarkable scenes ever seen at a major tournament, the Senegal players then stormed off the pitch in protest to the penalty decision.
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Sadio Mane urged his teammates to return to the pitch to face the penalty, which was eventually taken in the 114th minute. Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz then attempted an audacious panenka, which was easily saved by Edouard Mendy.
Villarreal’s Papa Gueye then scored in extra-time to secure Senegal’s victory in truly surreal fashion.
As the footballing world watched on, West Ham were quick to send their congratulations.
West Ham United congratulate Malick Diouf on AFCON victory
The West Ham United official website did their level best to describe the action.
They used the word “surreal” to reflect on what happened and that is difficult to disagree with.
Diouf’s Senegal overcame former West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd’s Morocco in a final that will live long in the memory.
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The fallout will likely continue for months to come but the fact is that Diouf will return to West Ham as an AFCON champion.
A message on their website read: “Diouf becomes just the second Hammer to win the Cup of Nations, emulating the achievement of late midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé, who lifted the trophy with Cameroon in 2000.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Malick on winning the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Malick Diouf branded “reckless” for AFCON penalty drama
Diouf played a key role in Senegal’s semi-final win over Egypt earlier this week and his despair quickly turned to joy on Sunday night.
The AFCON final was one of the most controversial games in years. Even during a transfer window, it looks like the biggest story in football.
Still, pundit and former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku slammed the West Ham defender for the tackle on Diaz that started all the drama off.
He branded Diouf as “reckless” and believes a penalty was the right decision, even if it was somewhat soft.
Speaking on E4, the ex-Wimbledon striker said: “It was foolish and reckless by El Hadji Malick Diouf, but the decision had been made and the players have to abide by that.
“You cannot do that [leave the pitch]. However aggrieved you feel at it you have got to let the referee and the rules [make the decision]… I have got some sympathy, but this is not a good look.”
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