What should have been a historic celebration of African football instead descended into chaos on Sunday night, as Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations final victory over hosts Morocco was overshadowed by unprecedented scenes in Rabat.
The 2025 AFCON final was brought to a halt deep into stoppage time after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a late VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco, sparking widespread condemnation from both FIFA and CAF and leaving disciplinary action firmly on the table.
Walk-off halts AFCON final
With the match goalless in the eighth minute of stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review of El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz. The decision came just minutes after Senegal had a goal by Ismaila Sarr disallowed at the other end, triggering furious reactions from the Teranga Lions.
Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, most of Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest, causing a delay of almost 20 minutes and bringing the final to a complete standstill. International broadcasts were interrupted, tensions spilled into the stands, and scenes of confusion replaced what should have been the showpiece moment of African football.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané remained on the pitch during the stoppage and was instrumental in persuading his teammates to return, later describing it as “crazy” to even consider abandoning the final.
Sadio Mané was the man who called the Senegal players back onto the pitch ? pic.twitter.com/PxC7X15ttT
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Drama continues
When play eventually resumed, Morocco were handed a golden chance to win the tournament. Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting a Panenka effort that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Moments later, the referee blew for full-time, sending the match into extra time. In a dramatic twist, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a sensational long-range goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a 1-0 victory and Senegal’s second AFCON title in five years.
Despite the triumph, the manner of the win was immediately overshadowed by the fallout from the earlier walk-off.
CAF and FIFA issue strong condemnation
African football’s governing body CAF moved quickly to condemn the scenes in Rabat, describing the behaviour of players and officials as “unacceptable” and confirming that disciplinary action is being considered.
In a statement released on Monday, CAF confirmed it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to the appropriate disciplinary bodies, with sanctions expected for those found guilty of misconduct.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also issued a strong response on Instagram, condemning both the walk-off and the disorder seen inside the stadium.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. Violence and intimidation have no place in football, and teams must respect the decisions taken by match officials.”
Infantino warned that such scenes damage the image of African football globally, particularly at a time when the continent continues to grow its influence on the world stage.
Senegal accept fault as fallout continues
Following the match, Thiaw admitted his mistake and apologised for leading his players off the pitch, stating that emotions had taken over in the heat of the moment.
“We shouldn’t have done it,” he said. “We accept the referee’s decisions, even if we disagreed. We apologise to football.”
Mané echoed that sentiment, insisting that finishing the game was essential for the reputation of African football, regardless of the controversy surrounding the officiating.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui was less forgiving, describing the walk-off as “shameful” and questioning the image it projected to the rest of the world.
Sanctions expected after historic final
While Senegal ultimately lifted the trophy, the chaotic scenes that defined the AFCON final are now likely to carry consequences. CAF’s disciplinary process is ongoing, and potential sanctions could range from fines to suspensions for players or officials involved in the protest.
As African football reflects on one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in its history, attention now turns to how firmly CAF and FIFA will act to ensure such scenes are not repeated on the continent’s biggest stage.
