The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal, played on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, descended into one of the most chaotic and controversial
finales in the tournament's history.
Senegal emerged as 1-0 winners after extra time, securing their second AFCON title in four years (following their 2021 triumph), but the match will be remembered more for its dramatic off-field incidents than the football itself.
The game itself was tense and low-scoring, a cagey defensive battle between two of Africa's top sides, ending 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Senegal vs Morocco - Drama in AFCON Final
Drama erupted in stoppage time when the referee, following a VAR review, awarded Morocco a controversial penalty in the 98th minute for a slight pull by Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf on Morocco's Brahim Diaz during a corner.
Senegal's players and coaching staff, already frustrated after an earlier disallowed goal, erupted in protest; Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch, leading most players, including Idrissa Gueye calling others, to storm down the tunnel in a walk-off protest.
This sparked pandemonium in the stands, particularly among Senegal's supporters; fans reacted furiously, with some attempting to invade the pitch, throwing objects, clashing with stewards and security, and even dismantling advertising hoardings, which collapsed under the pressure.
Riot police, at least 100 officers, were deployed to restore order, and reports described projectiles thrown onto the field, fights in the stands, and one steward injured; the scenes were widely condemned as damaging to African football's image, with Morocco's coach Walid Regragui later calling the events "shameful. "
Sadio Mane leads Senegal Revival
After a delay of around 14-16 minutes, Sadio Mane, Senegal's talisman and reportedly reluctant to leave initially, played a key role in persuading his teammates to return, with veteran figures like Claude Le Roy and El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf also helping broker a solution.
The players eventually came back onto the field, allowing Diaz to take the penalty; he attempted a Panenka chip but duffed it straight into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who saved it calmly.
This miss galvanized Senegal; the match proceeded to extra time, where midfielder Pape Gueye scored a stunning winner in the 94th minute, surging forward and lashing a shot into the top corner.
Senegal held on despite late pressure from Morocco, winning 1-0 and lifting the trophy; the chaotic events drew widespread criticism, with calls for investigations into the conduct of Senegal's team, coach, and fans, as well as potential shortcomings in Moroccan organization and security.
Morocco's fans left disappointed, and many departed early after the penalty miss; Mane, who hinted this might be his last AFCON, was hoisted aloft as Senegal celebrated a hard-fought, yet tarnished, victory.
In the aftermath, Thiaw faced jeers at his post-match press conference and walked out amid arguments between journalists; despite the controversy, Senegal's resilience shone through, marking a historic moment for the Lions of Teranga amid one of football's wildest finals.
