Senegal and Morocco Play Out Embarrassing AFCON 2025 Final in Rabat

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat was an embarrassing night for football on the continent, with reputational damage likely to linger long after the final whistle.

A match that promised so much between two high-quality teams descended into astonishing scenes of acrimony and chaos in the Moroccan capital. Trouble began brewing as a tight final, locked at 0-0, entered added time. Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr appeared to have scored, only for the goal to be disallowed by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who decided Abdoulaye Seck had fouled Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi. This decision clearly incensed Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.

The chaos escalated in the final minute of added time when Morocco’s Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz went down and vehemently appealed for a penalty. After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, during which Ndala was jostled by scuffling coaches and players, a highly controversial penalty was awarded, giving Morocco a chance to win it at the death.

This is when the sparks of conflict ignited. Thiaw felt Senegal had been cheated, and arguably had a case. However, when he ushered his team off the field and down the tunnel in protest, he pivoted the final into dangerous territory. It took over 17 minutes for play to restart, with objects thrown from the crowd and some fans staging a pitch invasion. Thiaw later admitted he shouldn't have taken this action, but the damage was done.

The tension inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was palpable, leading to potentially uglier scenes before attention turned to the penalty spot and the ball in the hands of Diaz. Senegal's players continued to complain bitterly.

Diaz, the media darling of AFCON 2025 with a tournament-high five goals, then produced an inexplicable moment that encapsulated the craziness of the night. He attempted a 'Panenka' chip, but embarrassingly clipped the ball straight into the arms of Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The home crowd of over 66,000 struggled to comprehend what had just unfolded.

As extra time began, another shock awaited the Moroccan fans. Pape Gueye scored a brilliant winning goal for Senegal, a moment that would have been memorable had the final not already descended into total disorder.

Senegal became champions of Africa for the second time. In football terms, they deserved it. However, the inquests into the final will mean the celebrations will be overshadowed by recriminations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was in attendance, took to Instagram to condemn the “ugly scenes,” calling it “unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner” and stating that “violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.” He added that “the decisions taken by the match officials must always be respected.”

The final is likely to bring severe disciplinary measures from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose showpiece event has been marred. Moroccan coach Walid Regragui called the scenes “shameful” and added that they “do not honour Africa.” Strong measures are likely to be taken against Thiaw, whose media briefing had to be cancelled due to further unrest in the press room.

Before the final, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had voiced concerns over security at the tournament, stating its players and staff were “at risk.” The FSF also raised concerns over the training pitch, hotel, and ticket allocation.

The officiating in the final drew criticism. While referee Ndala held his nerve under intense pressure when the Senegal players walked off, his decision-making in stoppage time was puzzling. The foul call on Seck was harsh, and the decision not to consult VAR was questioned. The awarding of the penalty to Morocco after Diaz went down under pressure from El Hadji Malick Diouf was also contentious, with Ndala initially disinterested before seemingly caving to pressure.

Morocco coach Regragui had previously had to reject claims of favouritism towards the host nation. Despite overall praise for Morocco's hosting, these incidents distracted from it.

Right up until the carnage late in the final, the prevailing narrative of AFCON 2025 was about the improved standard of African football and the potential of top teams like Senegal and Morocco at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. However, the actions in Rabat overshadowed this potential.