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Thierry Henry Blasts AFCON Referees After Morocco vs Senegal Final: 'Not at the Level'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 7:25 PM ET

On Sunday, Jan. 18, Senegal was crowned champion of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Morocco 1-0. The match was not without controversy. Thierry Henry strongly criticized the refereeing.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed a goal for Senegal, and all the Lions players were upset and protested. Afterward, those feelings intensified because a penalty was awarded in favor of Morocco.

The penalty was awarded after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, and although it was a "soft" penalty, it was clear.

The Senegal players, and their head coach, Pape Thiaw, were furious, not to mention the fans. In the end, the penalty was taken, and Brahim Diaz missed.

Jean Jacques Ndala gestures during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat, Morocco, on January 18, 2026. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Thierry Henry Heavily Criticized AFCON Refereeing

Several personalities criticized the overall refereeing of AFCON after the tournament ended, including Arsenal legend Henry.

Speaking on a CBS Sports program, the now-pundit described the referees and those who train them as "not at the level."

"The referees are not at the level of the show," Henry said. "I am blaming the people who are training them to be at the level."

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The AFCON final was decided in the 94th minute of the match, with a late goal by Pape Gueye, ending Morocco's dream of lifting the trophy at home.

The criticism then turned toward Real Madrid winger Diaz. “I messed up yesterday, and I take all the responsibility, and I apologize with all of my heart. It will take a lot to get better because this wound won’t heal easily, but I will try,” he wrote on social media.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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