AFCON final controversy explained: Why Senegal walked off — and still won

WEB DESK: Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift the Africa Cup of Nations title on January 18, but this AFCON final in Rabat will be remembered as much for refereeing chaos and a player walk-off as for the decisive goal.

After more than 90 minutes of attritional, goalless football at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the match descended into controversy that briefly threatened its completion.

Disallowed goal sparks first flashpoint

The first major flashpoint came in the 92nd minute when Senegal thought they had finally broken the deadlock. Abdoulaye Seck rose to meet a cross and his header was nudged into the net by Ismaïla Sarr.

Celebrations were short-lived. The referee ruled that Sarr had fouled Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi in the buildup, judging there had been a push. Many Senegal players protested, believing Hakimi had gone down too easily. VAR could not intervene because the whistle had already been blown.

VAR penalty decision pushes tensions over the edge

Just minutes later, matters escalated further. In stoppage time, Morocco forward Brahim Díaz went to ground inside the penalty area during a corner. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo initially waved play on, but VAR intervened and advised a review.

After consulting the monitor, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a tug by El Hadji Malick Diouf. While the contact was minimal, VAR’s involvement meant the decision stood, a moment that proved decisive in igniting Senegal’s protest.

Senegal walk off in protest

Furious at what he felt were inconsistent decisions, a disallowed goal at one end and a VAR-awarded penalty at the other, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch.

All but captain Sadio Mané left the field, heading for the dressing room in an unprecedented protest during an AFCON final. For more than 15 minutes, the threat of a forfeit loomed as officials, players and staff attempted to defuse the situation.

Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return and play on.

Penalty saved, momentum shifts

When the match finally resumed, Morocco failed to capitalise. Díaz attempted a Panenka down the middle, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it perfectly and caught the ball, sending shockwaves through the stadium and draining the hosts of belief.

The save proved a turning point.

Extra-time winner seals chaotic final

Four minutes into extra time, Senegal struck decisively. Mané pounced on a loose Moroccan touch and rolled the ball back to Pape Gueye, who powered a fierce shot from outside the box off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

This time, there was no whistle, no VAR intervention, the goal stood.

Despite late Moroccan pressure, including a header off the bar and missed chances in the dying moments, Senegal held firm to secure the title.

A final overshadowed by controversy

While Senegal were crowned champions, the match has already gone down as one of the most contentious AFCON finals in recent memory. Refereeing decisions, VAR intervention and a mid-match walk-off dominated discussion, overshadowing what had otherwise been a high-quality tournament.

Similarly AFCON 2025–winning coach Pape Thiaw did not address the international media after lifting the trophy, after he was hounded out of the press room by Moroccan journalists in chaotic scenes following the final. Witnesses said the Senegal coach was prevented from speaking as tensions flared in the aftermath of the match, an incident described as unprecedented at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

#AFCON2025FINAL winning coach Pape Thiaw will not speak to the world’s media, after winning the trophy 🏆. He was hounded out of the room by journalists from #Morocco. I have never seen this type of thing at an #AFCON. 🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/CwpsMTXfAo

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) January 18, 2026

In the end, Senegal survived the chaos, and emerged champions from a final few could have predicted, and fewer will forget.