The governing body of African Football, CAF, has slammed the players and staff of Senegal and Morocco after the chaos that unfolded at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both sides sized each other up in the first half before going all out in the second half. Towards the end of the game, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo was at the thick of things.
The 38-year-old cancelled out Senegal's goal, citing a foul in the build-up instead of allowing play to continue. As such, the VAR couldn't intervene, and the Teranga Lions felt they were denied a clear goal.
However, all hell broke loose after West Ham left back Malick Diouf held Brahim Diaz when a Moroccan corner kick went in, and the Real Madrid winger fell. The referee initially ignored play, but upon further pressing from the Atlas Lions, consulted the VAR before pointing to the spot.
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The Senegal players felt the call was unfair and opted to walk off the pitch, heralded by their coach, Pape Thiaw, while Captain Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch.
Technical staff from both sides got into it as well, before Mane went into the dressing room to bring his teammates to see the game out. Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his chipped effort was easily picked up by Edouard Mendy.
Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari were toying with the goalkeeper's towel on the side of the pitch before the spot kick was taken.
CAF slam Senegal and Morocco over misconduct in AFCON 2025 final
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the game's only goal in the 96th minute, and after the final whistle, the Moroccan fans were seen leaving the pitch before Senegal lifted the trophy.
After the chaos that ensued in Rabat, CAF have opened investigations into what happened on the pitch, condemning the behaviours from both nations.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” said a statement from the body's official website.
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“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.”
There has been no official confirmation, but it is expected that the Senegalese players will be fined for choosing to walk off the pitch.
