Senegal Claim AFCON Crown Amid Chaotic Final Marred by Walk-Off and Controversy

RABAT, 21 January 2026 – Senegal are champions of Africa for the second time in four years, but their 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final will be remembered for the explosive controversy that nearly caused the match’s abandonment. Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute strike secured the trophy, yet the defining images were of Senegalese players walking off the pitch in protest and Brahim Díaz’s calamitous missed penalty after a prolonged, chaotic delay.

A Tense Final Explodes in Stoppage Time

The match at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was a tense, goalless affair until the final moments of regulation time. In the 92nd minute, Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr thought he had scored the winner, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Minutes later, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after a lengthy VAR review, awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge on Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz.

Furious at the decision, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field. The entire squad walked down the tunnel in an unprecedented protest, sparking clashes in the stands between Senegalese supporters and security. After a delay of approximately 16 minutes, and following pleas from captain Sadio Mané, the Senegalese players returned. Díaz, who had waited over ten minutes to take the kick, then saw his attempted Panenka penalty easily saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Key Match Facts & Aftermath

Diplomatic Fallout and Official Condemnation

The on-field drama was preceded and followed by significant diplomatic friction. Prior to the final, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued a formal complaint, accusing Moroccan organisers of providing inadequate security, accommodation, and tickets for their fans. In a swift intervention, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced the state from the FSF’s statement, emphasising the “historical, humanitarian, and spiritual” depth of relations with Morocco and urging sportsmanship.

Following the match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemned the “unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials,” stating it is reviewing all footage for potential disciplinary action. FIFA President Gianni Infantino labelled the scenes “ugly,” stating “violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.” The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has since lodged a formal complaint with both CAF and FIFA against Senegal for the unauthorised walkout, which it claims “severely disrupted the normal conduct of the match.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Senegal’s players walk off the pitch?

The Senegalese team walked off in protest after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty via VAR deep into stoppage time. This decision came moments after a Senegal goal had been disallowed for a foul, which the Senegalese camp felt was a similarly contentious call that was not reviewed.

Could Senegal face sanctions for walking off?

Yes. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has condemned the behaviour and is conducting a review. The Moroccan Football Federation has also filed an official complaint. Senegal could face penalties from CAF’s disciplinary bodies, though the nature of any potential sanction remains unclear.

What was the reaction of the Senegalese government?

The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved quickly to frame the match as a sporting event, not a diplomatic incident. It released a statement emphasising the strength of Senegalese-Moroccan relations and urging the Football Federation to act with “responsibility, respect, and sportsmanship.”