CAF to investigate chaotic end to AFCON final with Morocco handed the Fair-Play Trophy
It was a chaotic end to the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco
The Confederation of African Football has announced an investigation into the “unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” that marred the end of the AFCON final in Rabat last night.
Senegal eventually saw off Morocco 1-0 in extra-time thanks to Pape Gueye’s stunning goal but not before a shambolic end to regulation time which involved the Lions of Teranga leaving the field in protest at two refereeing decisions in quick succession.
Not long after match official Jean Jacques Ndala had disallowed a Senegal goal for a seemingly innocuous challenge by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi, he was then ordered by the VAR to go to the pitchside monitor and examine a pull from El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz inside the area.
Again, the contact appeared minimal but he pointed to the spot, sparking fury from the Senegalese players and their small band of travelling supporters, some of whom fought with security staff as they tried to get on to the field.
Senegal boss Pape Thiaw was clearly seen waving his arm in an instruction for his players to leave the field. Only Sadio Mane remained and the Al-Nassr forward was visibly angry at what was going on.
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Morocco’s Diaz misses after lengthy delay, handing Senegal a reprieve
After a delay of around 17 minutes, the Senegal players returned and Diaz lined up the penalty only to attempt a Panenka and chip the spot-kick straight into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Ndala then blew the final whistle to take the game in ET.
A CAF statement this morning read: “The Confédération Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.
“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Senegal boss Thiaw in trouble
It is likely Thiaw will be sanctioned for his part in taking his team from the field of play while the behaviour of several Morocco players – in addition to matchday staff – is also set to be scrutinised after online footage showed ballboys trying to steal Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel.
In another twist, Morocco were awarded the Fair-Play trophy for their conduct throughout the tournament by CAF.
It was given to the “team that will have shown the best fair-play spirit during the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, in conformity with the CAF Fair-play regulations.”
AFCON Final Coverage
Match Report
Mendy rubbishes suggestions Diaz missed penalty on purpose
Thiaw apologises to football for Senegal walk-off
Watch as Morocco players and ballboys try to steal Mendy’s towel