Senegal Stuns Morocco in Farcical AFCON Final After Walk-Off Protests
In a shocking turn of events, Senegal emerged victorious over hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The match was marred by controversy, as Senegal stormed off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before returning to score the winning goal.
The drama began when Moroccan star player Brahim Diaz missed a last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay. The decision was made after VAR checked a foul on Diaz by Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf, which led to a lengthy stoppage in play.
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players off the field, prompting officials and players to jostle with each other as they waited for the referee to confer with the touchline screen. The team eventually returned to the pitch, but not before Senegalese talisman Sadio Mane persuaded them to change their minds.
Diaz's penalty attempt was a weak Panenka-style chip that sailed into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The goal sealed Senegal's victory in the 94th minute of extra time, sending the team and their fans into raptures.
The match will be remembered for its farcical scenes off the field, particularly when Senegal walked off in protest at the penalty award. An investigation is likely to focus on the conduct of both teams and any shortcomings by Moroccan organizers.
Senegal's win cements their status as one of Africa's top football nations, with their second Cup of Nations title in three editions under coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The team will now look forward to competing in the World Cup in June, with Sadio Mane remaining uncertain about his participation at future AFCONs.
Morocco's campaign ended on a disappointing note, with many fans leaving the stadium before the final whistle. Coach Walid Regragui described his team as "really disappointed" for the Moroccan people and acknowledged that football can be cruel. Despite their efforts, Morocco will have to wait 50 years to win their next African championship title.
In a shocking turn of events, Senegal emerged victorious over hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The match was marred by controversy, as Senegal stormed off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before returning to score the winning goal.
The drama began when Moroccan star player Brahim Diaz missed a last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay. The decision was made after VAR checked a foul on Diaz by Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf, which led to a lengthy stoppage in play.
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players off the field, prompting officials and players to jostle with each other as they waited for the referee to confer with the touchline screen. The team eventually returned to the pitch, but not before Senegalese talisman Sadio Mane persuaded them to change their minds.
Diaz's penalty attempt was a weak Panenka-style chip that sailed into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The goal sealed Senegal's victory in the 94th minute of extra time, sending the team and their fans into raptures.
The match will be remembered for its farcical scenes off the field, particularly when Senegal walked off in protest at the penalty award. An investigation is likely to focus on the conduct of both teams and any shortcomings by Moroccan organizers.
Senegal's win cements their status as one of Africa's top football nations, with their second Cup of Nations title in three editions under coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The team will now look forward to competing in the World Cup in June, with Sadio Mane remaining uncertain about his participation at future AFCONs.
Morocco's campaign ended on a disappointing note, with many fans leaving the stadium before the final whistle. Coach Walid Regragui described his team as "really disappointed" for the Moroccan people and acknowledged that football can be cruel. Despite their efforts, Morocco will have to wait 50 years to win their next African championship title.
this is insane! like senegal just walked off the field in protest and then came back to win the game? i'm shook 
the drama was so wild, especially with brahim diaz missing that penalty. edouard mendy must've had some serious skills to make that save 
and sadio mane is a total legend for convincing his teammates to go back out there. morocco's team looked really deflated at the end, poor guys 
i guess all that controversy will be investigated tho...
. And can we talk about Sadio Mane for a second? 
The man is a legend. I mean, he somehow convinces his teammates to get back on, scores the winning goal, and now gets to live off that drama forever 
. As for Morocco, I feel bad for them, they got robbed of their chance at the title. But at the same time, it's not like Senegal didn't earn it... they showed some serious grit and determination out there 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out in the World Cup... will Sadio Mane be a part of that magic 
?
I'm still trying to wrap my head around what just happened in the AFCON final! Senegal's victory is a testament to their team spirit and determination. I mean, who walks off the field in protest, only to come back and score the winning goal? Talk about a team effort! 
Not buyin' it till I see somethin'.
. morocco just got robbed imo, but congrats to senegal for their second afcon title 
. that panenka-style chip by diaz was so weak though lol . i hope they get some help with those walk-off protests next time... 
And then they come back and score the winning goal? It's like something out of a movie! 
The VAR decision was super contentious too - it's crazy how one minute you're celebrating a penalty, and the next you're walking off the field in protest. 
. And can we talk about Sadio Mane? He's such a legend on the field! 
