The2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco, ended in dramatic and deeply controversial fashion as Senegal’s Teranga Lions defeated the host nation 2–1 to secure their second consecutive continental title. While the victory showcased Senegal’s resilience and quality, it was overshadowed by a series of on-field disputes and off-field disturbances that have sparked widespread criticism and calls for disciplinary action from football’s governing bodies.

Refereeing Controversy Sparks Walk-Off and Crowd Violence

The match was marred by several contentious refereeing decisions, particularly in the closing stages of regulation time. Controversy first erupted when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo disallowed a potential Senegal goal — a decision widely regarded as a marginal 50–50 call that many believe would have stood had Senegal not been facing the host nation.

Moments later, Ndala awarded Morocco a highly disputed penalty following a VAR review, ruling that Malick El Hadji Diouf had fouled Brahim Díaz inside the box. The decision proved to be the flashpoint that plunged the final into chaos.

In an extraordinary act of protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to stop playing and walk toward the dressing room, openly defying the referee’s call and what the team perceived as persistent officiating bias in favor of the hosts. Simultaneously, violence erupted in the stands as Senegalese and Moroccan supporters clashed, threatening to derail the match entirely.

Calm was eventually restored through the leadership of Senegal captain Sadio Mané, who passionately urged his teammates to return to the pitch and complete the game, preventing a potential abandonment of the final.

Heroics, “Real Justice,” and the Fallout After the Final

Upon their return, Senegal found immediate redemption. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy delivered a heroic moment by saving Brahim Díaz’s audacious Panenka penalty in the final minute of regulation time, keeping the score level and silencing the home crowd.

That reprieve energized Senegal, and in extra time Pape Gueye scored one of the goals of the tournament, capitalizing on a brilliant ball recovery by Mané to seal the championship and deliver what many described as “real justice.”

However, the controversy extended beyond the final whistle. Morocco’s conduct as tournament hosts came under heavy scrutiny, with accusations of biased officiating and unsporting behavior — including allegations that ball boys and stewards interfered with opposing goalkeepers by stealing towels. These incidents have significantly damaged the goodwill Morocco earned from their historic 2022 World Cup run.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned both the Senegalese walk-off and the violence in the stands, stressing that teams must respect referees’ decisions and compete within the laws of the game. He called on CAF to conduct a full investigation, warning that such scenes threaten the very essence of football.

CAF has since announced an official inquiry. Senegal faces possible fines and suspensions for its players, staff, and head coach Pape Thiaw, while there is growing pressure for Morocco to also be held accountable. Senegal’s victory, achieved amid hostility and controversy, stands as a powerful testament to resilience and the belief that, even far from home, true footballing merit will ultimately prevail.