AFCON FINAL ENDS IN MAYHEM AS SENEGAL CROWNED CHAMPIONS
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and host nation Morocco will go down as one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s history.
In a match filled with emotions, protests, and controversy, Senegal ultimately secured a 1-0 victory after extra time, but not without serious fallout.
In normal time, both sides were locked at 0-0 in front of a raucous crowd in Rabat. A last-gasp goal by Senegal was controversially disallowed, and a subsequent VAR-reviewed penalty awarded to Morocco sparked outrage among the Senegalese players and coaching staff.
In protest, coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the pitch, temporarily refusing to continue. After roughly 15-20 minutes, Senegal returned following pleas from senior figures like Sadio Mané, one of the few players who stayed on the field, and the match resumed.
When play restarted, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz nervously chipped his Panenka penalty straight into the arms of Senegal keeper Édouard Mendy, leaving the score unchanged at full time.
In extra time, Senegal’s Pape Gueye smashed in the winner, earning a second AFCON title for his country.
CAF condemned the conduct of players and officials on both sides and said it would review footage for disciplinary action.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also blasted the scenes, emphasising that walk-offs and protests have no place in football and hinting that Senegal could face sanctions, potentially even being stripped of the title under competition rules.
Image credit: ESPN