Senegal and Morocco are at risk of disciplinary action after football chiefs condemned ‘unacceptable behaviour’ in their chaotic African Cup of Nations final.
The final had descended into farce after hosts Morocco were awarded an extremely soft stoppage-time penalty following a VAR decision.
Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala had pointed to the spot following a tiny tug on Brahim Diaz in the penalty area from a 96th-minute corner.
Senegal fans tried to storm the pitch in fury, while boss Pape Thiaw ordered his players to head down the tunnel and not allow the penalty to be taken.
Just minutes earlier, Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr had seen a goal controversially chalked off after Idrissa Gana Gueye was penalised for competing for a header in the build-up.
After Morocco’s penalty was given, a long 17 minutes went by that threatened to turn extremely nasty both on and off the pitch, hundreds of riot police just about containing the furious Senegalese supporters while the players nearly threw fists on the touchline.
Senegal and Morocco are at risk of disciplinary action after the AFCON final descended into chaos
Pape Thiaw called his players off the pitch in an extraordinary protest after Morocco had been awarded a controversial penalty
Tempers boiled over as members of Thiaw’s squad clashed with the Morocco bench as they waited on the referee’s decision
At the other end of the ground, Senegalese fans spilled out of the stands in their own protest
Fans clashed with riot police as the match paused for a staggering 17 minutes before the start
Diaz would ultimately miss the penalty after Senegal returned to resume the final. Senegal would eventually triumph through a Pape Gueye goal in extra time.
The chaos continued post-match with Senegal boss Thiaw forced to abandon his press conference amid boos from Moroccan journalists, with some clashing with their counterparts from Senegal.
Footage has also emerged from other incidents during the final, including Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper being wrestled to the ground – with the match ongoing – as he attempted to protect team-mate Edouard Mendy’s towel.
The Confederation of African Football has issued a statement condemning behaviour of ‘some players and officials’.
The governing body – while not mentioning any specific incident – confirmed footage is being reviewed and vowed to take action against anyone found to have committed an offence.
‘The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,’ a statement read.
‘CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.
‘CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.’
Security block angry Senegal fans after the controversial late penalty is given
Brahim Diaz missed the stoppage time penalty which would have won Morocco the title
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye fired home at the start of extra time for the only goal
Senegal would ultimately earn a 1-0 victory after extra-time, but could now face sanctions
FIFA president Gianni Infantino released a separate statement, where he condemned the ‘ugly scenes’ around the final and urged disciplinary action be taken against Senegal.
‘Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some “supporters” as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,’ Infantino said.
‘It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.
‘We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.
‘It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated.
‘I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.’
Infantino, while condemning the chaotic scenes in the final, also offered his congratulations to Senegal as winners and Morocco as runners-up and hosts.
A seperate incident had seen Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper tackled to the ground – with the match ongoing – as he aimed to protect team-mate Edouard Mendy’s towel by the goal
FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed the ugly scenes ‘can never be repeated’
‘Congratulations to Senegal on being crowned champions of Africa and winners of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat.
‘My best wishes as well to Abdoulaye Fall, President of the Senegalese Football Association, and to everyone involved in this success.
‘Well done also to Morocco on a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts.
‘My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his constant support of football, and to Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and FIFA Council member, for his leadership and commitment to the game.’
