Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has called for a formal investigation into the referee who presided over the dramatic AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, after a night of controversy that left fans and pundits debating the outcome long after the final whistle.
Taking to his official X account on Monday, January 19, 2026, Mutula congratulated Senegal on lifting the trophy but urged the Confederation of African Football to examine the performance of centre referee Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala. He singled out Senegal captain Sadio Mané for praise, saying the skipper’s composure during the chaos will be remembered. “The referee of the AFCON final needs to be investigated by CAF. That said, Sadio Mané will go down in the history books for his overall conduct in the finals. Congratulations. Senegal,” he wrote.
The flashpoint at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
What began as a tense, tightly contested final exploded into full‑blown controversy late on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. With eight minutes of stoppage time already signalled, the referee awarded a penalty to hosts Morocco after a foul was called on a challenge involving Abdoulaye Seck and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi. The decision was widely described as soft and immediately sparked furious protests from the Senegal camp.
VAR intervened, advising Ndala to review a tug on Brahim Díaz by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from a corner. After checking the monitor, the Congolese official stood by his decision and pointed to the spot — a call that ignited a chaotic scene on the pitch.
Walkout, a saved Panenka, and extra time drama
Senegal’s players briefly threatened to abandon the match in protest, a dramatic moment that only intensified the tension in the stadium. It was captain Sadio Mané who ultimately calmed his teammates and led them back to the field, restoring order enough for the penalty to be taken.
Brahim Díaz stepped up and attempted a Panenka — a cheeky, audacious chip down the middle — but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy read it and made the save. The miss kept the score level and sent the final into extra time, where Pape Gueye struck early with a thunderous effort to hand Senegal a 1–0 victory and a second AFCON crown.
Near misses and a rain‑soaked heartbreak
Morocco pushed for an equaliser after Gueye’s strike, coming closest when Nayef Aguerd powered a header against the crossbar from a corner. As rain swept across Rabat, Morocco’s bid for a first continental title since 1976 slipped away in dramatic fashion — a night of near misses, heated debate, and raw emotion.
Aftermath and the call for accountability
Governor Mutula’s demand for a CAF investigation captures the mood of many observers who felt the officiating and VAR handling required scrutiny. The final will be remembered not only for Senegal’s triumph and Mané’s leadership but also for the contentious decisions and the tense scenes they produced. As the continent digests the fallout, calls for clarity, accountability, and improved match management are likely to grow louder.
