Diarra: 'It was an injustice’ - Inside Senegal’s AFCON final chaos

Habib Diarra could only watch on from the sidelines. Helpless, suspended and furious. The Senegal and Sunderland midfielder was observing what he still believes was a sporting injustice unfold in front of him in the final stages of the AFCON final.

Two weeks on, Diarra is still trying to process the chaos and criticism that came Senegal's way following their dramatic AFCON glory that sent shockwaves across the world.

In the final stages of normal time, Senegal were denied what they felt was a legitimate goal by VAR only for the referee to award Morocco a penalty minutes later in stoppage-time. Hearts were racing. Senegal players walked off in protest before the spot-kick could be taken.

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"We had the feeling that it was an injustice," Diarra tells Sky Sports from Sunderland's training ground - the emotions still running high.

"A few minutes earlier, we had scored a fair goal. But the referee blew a little early. Normally, you're supposed to let it play until the end. Then, if there's a foul, you go see the VAR and then say if it's a foul or a goal. We were angry about that.

"It's part of football. Sometimes, the referee makes mistakes. We're humans, everyone makes mistakes.

"When the referee went to see the VAR and blew for a penalty, we didn't see the foul. It was incredible."

The pictures of Senegal players heading down the tunnel and off the pitch will long be remembered as manager Pape Thiaw was furiously gesticulating his team to come off the pitch in protest against the referee and VAR.

From the sidelines, however, it was not a sign of protest. But one of unity.

"I understood it," says Diarra about his manager's actions. "You can't single out the coach.

"I think he did that because he saw how we fought during the tournament. He saw the sacrifices we made to get here. He's like a father for us. He wanted to protect us.

"What happened was a collective decision. You can't single out certain players or certain people. What I saw is that we were all united. If someone makes a decision, everyone follows."

Despite a feeling of unity, captain Sadio Mane was also trying to progress matters, pleading with the players to return to the pitch.

"Sadio is a real leader," recalls Diarra. "He just needs to say a word and everyone follows. He's a big brother for all the young players. He's an example for everyone.

"When we got into the changing room, it was all emotional. But he was clear-headed. He reminded us that if God has predicted something, everyone can do what they want. But God will have the last word in all cases."

The rest, as they say, is history. Brahim Diaz's saved Morocco's Panenka penalty which added further drama to the final stages of the final and Pape Gueye's wonderstrike secured victory for Senegal in extra-time.

"It was one of the best, high-level, high-pressure finals there has been," says Diarra.

But that's not how it will be remembered. Those actions from Senegal have led to criticism for the team. One of the best, chaotic finals in history will be remembered for those protests from Senegal.

"I don't pay much attention to that - I don't think the Senegal players do either," says Diarra about the criticism that came their way.

"The people who criticise us are part of football. We will always be criticised, on the pitch, every weekend. It's part of our job.

"The most important thing is to win the trophy." And did Diarra celebrate. In the days after the tournament, Diarra returned to Dakar to celebrate with his family. He also made the time to make a trip to Mulhouse, the city near Strasbourg that helped propel his club career, to show off his medal to those who helped him grow up in Europe.

"It was incredible when we were in Dakar. That's when it sunk in even more. Everyone was there to welcome us. It was crazy.

"We saw happy fans, children, old people, young people, women. Everyone was there. It shows that Senegal is a country that loves football.

"Honestly, four years ago, when Senegal won AFCON for the first time, I was very happy. I don't have the words. That's what we were waiting for the most.

"Then there was the tournament two years ago that passed us by. I had a bad experience. I'm a big fan of the national team. I was with my family, with my brothers. When we lost, I cried. I cried with sadness. I wanted my team to win.

"I had a bad experience. I think the players had a bad experience. And this year, we showed who we really were. And this year is a great revenge."

'I'm in the same ball park as Pogba, Kante'

Diarra is back at Sunderland now, fully focused on the final months of the season. While it has been a season of overachievement at the Stadium of Light, it has not quite gone completely to plan for the midfielder.

An injury just weeks into his Black Cats career impacted his £30m move from Strasbourg slightly. But now Diarra has an important role to play.

With Granit Xhaka now injured for a month, Sunderland need leadership in the middle of the park. Diarra, who was made captain at a young age at Strasbourg by a certain Liam Rosenior last season, could well be that key player.

"When I was young, I was used to being a captain," says Diarra. "Being young and professional has nothing to do with it. I was born that way. It's natural for me.

"I would say that I am someone who likes to win. All the players keep that in mind. I am someone who likes to help people.

"When I see people who are going through a difficult time, I will help them. I will be there to support them.

"At Sunderland, we don't necessarily use the term captain. We use the word leader. I learn every day from Granit. I see how he does it. There are times when I will handle things differently. I take him as an example."

Xhaka's not the only example Diarra looks up to in the Premier League. Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante are the player's two main idols he is looking up to at the moment.

And just look at Diarra's career. He's just 22 but he's already been champion of Africa, captain at Strasbourg and moved to the Premier League. What is next?

"Of course, at 22, it's good to have all that," says Diarra. "But it's just the beginning. I am someone who is hungry. I always want to improve.

"I want to be among the best midfielders in the world. I take Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kanté as an example. I am always inspired by players like them. They're in the same ball park as me.

"In the coming years, I want to make a name for myself in the Premier League. I want to be part of the top players. I want to win the Champions League. It's a goal for everyone. I also want to win the World Cup. That's the dream."

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