Senegal have won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, claiming their second continental title after a dramatic and controversial final against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
The Lions of Teranga edged the encounter despite chaotic scenes that briefly halted play late in regulation time, drawing widespread condemnation from football authorities and stakeholders.
Trouble erupted in stoppage time with the scoreline still goalless, when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after consulting the Video Assistant Referee.
The decision followed a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
Angered by the call, and still protesting an earlier Senegal goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up, head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch.
Some Senegal supporters also reacted angrily, throwing objects and attempting to gain access to the field, forcing a delay of about 17 minutes.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane remained on the pitch, appealing to his teammates to return and urging calm among the fans.
When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his weak Panenka-style kick was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The referee immediately ended regulation time.
In extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in the 94th minute, sealing a 1–0 victory and handing Senegal their second AFCON title in five years, following their maiden triumph in 2021.
Speaking after the match, Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Senegal’s temporary walk-off as “shameful” and said it did not honour African football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the “ugly scenes,” stressing that violence and abandonment of play have no place in the game.
In a statement, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, said it strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches and has commenced a review of all available footage, promising appropriate disciplinary action against those found culpable.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later admitted his mistake, apologising for ordering his players off the pitch. He said emotions ran high in the heat of the moment but accepted that referees’ decisions must be respected.
Sadio Mane also expressed disappointment over the disruption, saying football must always project a positive image to the world.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, however, said the team showed unity by returning to the field and staying focused to secure victory.
Despite Morocco’s praise as excellent hosts of the tournament, the chaotic end to the final has overshadowed what had largely been regarded as a successful Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal now celebrate another historic achievement, while African football authorities face renewed calls to address issues of officiating, crowd control and discipline on the continent’s biggest stage.