The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched investigations and condemned the chaotic and unsportsmanlike conduct that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Senegal and host nation Morocco, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. The match was characterized by contentious refereeing decisions, player misconduct, and recurring incidents of intimidation targeting goalkeepers.

The first half of the final saw both teams sizing each other up before the second half erupted in controversy. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo was at the center of several disputed calls. Senegal was denied a goal after the referee cited a foul in the build-up, preventing VAR intervention and leaving the Teranga Lions feeling aggrieved. Later, chaos ensued when West Ham left-back Malick Diouf was judged to have held Brahim Diaz during a Moroccan corner kick. After initial hesitation, the referee consulted VAR and awarded Morocco a penalty. Senegal's players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, protested by walking off the pitch, though Captain Sadio Mane eventually brought his teammates back to see out the game. Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his chipped effort was saved by Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

Adding to the unsportsmanlike behavior, Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi and PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari were seen toying with Mendy's towel before the penalty kick. This was not an isolated incident; Morocco had developed a reputation for