The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal was overshadowed by ugly scenes, ranging from clashes between Senegalese fans and stewards to Moroccan ball boys fighting with players, as well as Senegalese players walking off the pitch in protest.
In the 94th minute of the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Brahim Díaz was adjudged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner kick. The decision came moments after Ismaïla Sarr had a goal disallowed for an alleged foul on Achraf Hakimi.
The call sparked outrage among Senegal’s players, coaching staff, and supporters. Head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, and they complied.
After about 20 minutes of confusion and delays, Sadio Mané went to the dressing room to convince his teammates to return and resume the match. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy retook his place in goal as Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his attempted panenka was comfortably saved by Mendy.
The match then moved into extra time, with Senegal looking increasingly confident and composed. Their persistence was rewarded four minutes into the first period when Pape Gueye burst past Achraf Hakimi and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike to give Senegal the lead and seal their second AFCON title.
Reactions to the events during the final have been mixed, with former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry condemning Senegal’s decision to walk off the pitch.
“For me, again, I go back because I want to say it again. You don’t want to see that. You don’t want to see a team leaving the field. Do I understand the frustration? Yes. The way they went about it, no. And for me, that’s not going to define how the tournament was,” Henry said on CBS’s UEFA Champions League show on Tuesday night.
Referees “not at the level of the show”
Henry blamed the chaos on a lack of proper training for referees.
“Watching the AFCON for a very long time, the referees are not at the level of the show,” he said. “All the stuff that happens in those tournaments sometimes are made because of referee mistakes. And I’m not blaming the referee….. I’m blaming the people that are not training them to be at the level of the football that we’re watching, and that’s about it. Other than that, like I said so many times, it was a great tournament.”
Meanwhile, CAF condemned what happened during the final, saying it was “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.
CAF also said they are reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action.
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