The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will be remembered less for its footballing quality and more for the extraordinary controversy, disorder, and officiating disputes that plunged African football’s biggest stage into chaos. Senegal ultimately emerged as champions of Africa, claiming a 1–0 extra-time victory over the host nation, but the scenes in Rabat left a stain on what should have been a celebration of the continent’s growing footballing stature.
What was billed as a showcase clash between two of Africa’s strongest teams instead descended into one of the most embarrassing finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, with pitch walk-offs, crowd unrest, and widespread accusations of bias dominating the post-match debate.
A Promising Final Turns Toxic in Stoppage Time
For much of the match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal and Morocco delivered a tense, high-quality contest. Both sides were organised, physical, and tactically disciplined, and regulation time ended goalless.
The flashpoint came in stoppage time, when Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr found the net, only for referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to rule out the goal, judging that Abdoulaye Seck had fouled Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.
The decision enraged Senegal’s bench, particularly head coach Pape Thiaw, who argued the call was harsh and made without a VAR review. That frustration would soon explode into full-scale disorder.
Controversial Penalty Sparks Walk-Off and Crowd Chaos
As the clock ticked down in added time, Morocco were awarded a late penalty after Brahim Diaz went down in the box. Following a chaotic VAR review—during which Ndala was visibly jostled by players and staff—the referee pointed to the spot.
For Senegal, the decision felt like a second injustice in moments. Thiaw responded by leading his players off the pitch in protest, an action that pushed the final into unprecedented territory.
Play was halted for more than 17 minutes as:
- Objects were thrown from the stands
- Some fans invaded the pitch
- Security struggled to restore order
Thiaw later conceded he should not have taken his team off the field, but by then the damage—to the match and AFCON’s reputation—was already done.
Brahim Diaz’s Missed Panenka Becomes Symbol of the Night
When order was finally restored, Brahim Diaz stepped up with a chance to win Morocco their first AFCON title in 50 years. The Real Madrid star, who had been the tournament’s standout player with five goals, attempted an audacious Panenka penalty.
Instead, the chip was weak and poorly executed, falling straight into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Inside the 66,000-strong stadium, disbelief replaced expectation. The moment encapsulated the surreal nature of the final and crushed the hopes of the host nation.
Senegal Seal Victory in Extra Time
The drama was not over. Early in extra time, Pape Gueye produced a moment of brilliance, firing home the decisive goal for Senegal. Under normal circumstances, it would have been a goal remembered for generations.
Instead, it became a footnote in a final already overshadowed by controversy.
Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy for the second time in their history, confirming their status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing powers. On pure footballing merit, few disputed that the Lions of Teranga deserved the title.
FIFA and CAF Condemn ‘Ugly Scenes’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended the final, publicly condemned the events, calling the scenes “unacceptable”.
“Leaving the field of play in this manner is not acceptable. Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport,” Infantino said, adding that referees’ decisions must be respected, even under pressure.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is now expected to launch disciplinary proceedings, with sanctions likely for:
- Senegal coach Pape Thiaw
- Match officials
- Potential security failures
- Crowd control issues
Morocco coach Walid Regragui also described the events as “shameful”, saying they “do not honour Africa.”
Officiating and Host Bias Claims Reignite Debate
The final reignited long-running debates about officiating standards and host nation bias at AFCON tournaments. Questions remain unresolved:
- Was Seck’s challenge on Hakimi truly a foul?
- Why was VAR not consulted for the disallowed Senegal goal?
- Did Diaz go down too easily under minimal contact?
- Did referee Ndala bow to pressure from the home crowd?
The controversy followed earlier complaints during the tournament, including Cameroon’s rejected penalty appeals against Morocco in the quarterfinals.
While Morocco had otherwise received praise for hosting one of the best-organised AFCON tournaments in history, the final cast a long shadow over those achievements.
Senegal FA Had Raised Security Concerns
Adding to the fallout, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) revealed it had raised concerns before the final regarding:
- Stadium security
- Training facilities
- Hotel arrangements
- Ticket allocations
Those warnings now appear prophetic given the events that unfolded.
Sadio Mane Emerges as a Voice of Calm
Amid the chaos, Sadio Mane stood out as a figure of leadership and restraint. The Senegal star was seen urging teammates to return to the pitch and later calming angry supporters.
In a final where many reputations suffered, Mane’s conduct enhanced his standing as one of African football’s true ambassadors.
AFCON 2025 Legacy Under Threat
Until the final moments, AFCON 2025 had been celebrated as evidence of Africa’s rising football standards, with Senegal and Morocco both viewed as serious contenders for success at the FIFA World Cup in June.
Instead, the final in Rabat risks becoming a cautionary tale—one where poor decision-making by officials, coaches, and fans undermined years of progress.
CAF now faces intense pressure to act decisively. With African football’s reputation—and FIFA’s scrutiny—on the line, the aftermath of AFCON 2025 may yet produce further drama.
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