By Danjuma Amodu | 19 January 2026
Senegal clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1–0 extra‑time victory over hosts Morocco, as Pape Gueye’s thunderous strike in the 94th minute sealed the win after a chaotic penalty incident that saw Senegal’s players briefly walk off the pitch and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy save Brahim Díaz’s Panenka attempt.
The final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award deep into stoppage time. Referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala from Congo pointed to the spot after a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Díaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. Diaz, along with the Moroccan team and bench, protested vehemently, but the decision stood, sparking fury among Senegal’s players and fans.
As tensions boiled over, most of Senegal’s players walked off the pitch, and some Senegal supporters in the away section threw chairs and objects, attempting to storm the field. Police and stewards eventually contained the crowd, and the atmosphere shifted from anger to disbelief when Mendy saved Diaz’s weak chip penalty in the 24th added minute.
Disallowed Goal and the Towel Drama
Earlier, Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner was disallowed for a foul, and Ismaila Sarr’s rebound was ruled out. While the players were still fuming, the focus shifted to the goal‑keeper’s towel, reserve keeper Yehvann Diouf kept handing Edouard Mendy his towel, but Moroccan ball boys and even Achraf Hakimi tried to snatch it away, turning the towel into a bizarre battleground during extra time. The incident added to the chaotic atmosphere and has since been highlighted in fan videos and media reports.
After surviving the penalty drama and the towel tussle, Senegal’s momentum surged. In the fourth minute of extra time, Sadio Mané won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released his namesake Pape Gueye. The Villarreal midfielder held off Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi, advanced into the box, and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco’s hopes were further dashed when Nayef Aguerd’s header struck the crossbar in the second half of extra time. Senegal could have doubled their lead late on, but Cherif Ndiaye missed a clear chance. Nonetheless, Senegal held on to secure their second AFCON title in three editions, adding to their 2022 triumph over Egypt.
The match was low on goalmouth action, reflecting the defensive strengths of Africa’s top-ranked teams. Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi missed a chance from Bilal El Khannouss’s cross before the hour mark.
The incidents will likely prompt investigations into the conduct of Senegal’s team and fans, as well as potential shortcomings by Moroccan organisers. Meanwhile, Senegal look ahead to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, with hopes that star man Sadio Mané will continue to lead their charge..
Mediator’s Calm: Claude Le Roy’s Role in Restoring Order
Amid the chaos, former Senegal coach Claude Le Roy, who was present at the stadium, briefly spoke to captain Sadio Mané. Le Roy, a respected figure in African football, used his experience and authority to calm tensions, Sadio Manè was seen urging his teammates to return to the pitch afterwards to focus on the game. His intervention helped steady the Senegalese side, providing a crucial bridge between players, officials, and match security, and played a key part in restoring normalcy before extra time resumed.
Road to the Final: Senegal’s Journey at AFCON 2025
Group Stage: Senegal topped their group with two wins and a draw, showcasing solid defence and clinical finishing.
Round of 16: They edged past a tough opponent with a narrow 1–0 victory, thanks to a late goal from Sadio Mané.
Quarter‑Final: Senegal defeated Mali 1–0, with a disciplined defensive display and a crucial goal from midfield.
Semi‑Final: A hard‑fought 1–0 win over Egypt saw Senegal’s defence hold firm, and a moment of brilliance from Idrissa Gueye secured their place in the final.
Senegal’s campaign was marked by resilience, tactical discipline, and key moments from their star players, culminating in their dramatic triumph over Morocco in the final.
The Drama/Protest
Morocco’s camp has been vocal about what they see as “cheating” in the final. Coach Walid Regragui called the whole episode “shameful” and pointed to the long VAR‑driven penalty delay, the Senegal players’ walk‑off, and the crowd’s hostile reaction as evidence that the match’s integrity was compromised. He stopped short of labelling anyone a cheat, but his language, “the image we gave of African football was rather shameful,” suggests he believes the officiating and Senegal’s conduct tainted the result.
On the other side, Senegal’s federation had already filed a formal complaint before the match, alleging logistical sabotage (poor security, sub‑standard hotel, limited tickets) and “lack of sporting fairness” from the Moroccan organisers. Those pre‑match accusations set the stage for the post‑match tension, with both sides trading claims of unfair treatment.
So far, no independent body (CAF or FIFA) has issued a ruling on “cheating.” The accusations remain statements from each team’s leadership, with investigations likely to follow.
Fan Sentiments
Cameroon fans were already on edge after their own exit, so they watched the final with a mix of curiosity and rivalry. Many Cameroonian supporters on social media called the match “a drama you couldn’t script,” pointing to the VAR‑driven penalty and Senegal’s walk‑off as proof that “African football needs better officiating.” A few even joked that “Morocco’s home advantage turned into a home‑field nightmare,” reflecting a lingering bitterness from their own tournament run.
Nigerian supporters, still smarting from their semi‑final loss to Morocco, flooded platforms with angry posts about the refereeing. They accused the officials of “cheating” and claimed the whole episode “shamed African football,” with many sharing clips of the chaotic scenes and demanding CAF take action. Some Nigerian fans, however, praised Senegal’s resilience, saying “Mendy’s save was pure class and gave us a reason to smile after our own heartbreak.”
Senegalese fans erupted in celebration across Dakar and beyond. Streets filled with dancing, drumming and chants of “Pape Gueye, our hero” as supporters hailed the team’s “never‑give‑up” spirit after the penalty drama. Many posted messages like “We survived the VAR mess and still lifted the trophy—this is why we love our Lions,” while a smaller, more critical voice called the referee’s decisions “unfair” and urged CAF to review the referee officiating.
