The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Senegal and host nation Morocco was mired in controversy both on and off the pitch, as the visiting Senegalese side claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in Rabat.
The highly anticipated match, which was supposed to showcase the best of African football, was instead marred by a series of incidents that left a sour taste in the mouths of fans and officials alike.
The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges. However, the tension on the field was palpable, with numerous confrontations between players and frequent stoppages in play.
The turning point came in the 65th minute, when Senegalese striker Moussa Sow scored the only goal of the game, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the Moroccan backline. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Senegalese players and fans, but it was soon overshadowed by a series of unsavoury incidents.
In the aftermath of the goal, several Moroccan players surrounded the match officials, protesting what they believed to be a foul in the build-up to the goal. The ensuing scuffle resulted in two red cards being shown, one to a Moroccan player and one to a member of the Senegalese coaching staff.
The tension continued to escalate as the final minutes ticked away, with both sets of supporters engaging in heated exchanges in the stands. Reports of clashes between rival fans and security personnel began to emerge, leading to a temporary suspension of the match.
When play eventually resumed, the Moroccan players appeared to have lost their focus, and Senegal comfortably saw out the remaining time to claim their second AFCON title.
However, the on-field drama was only the beginning of the controversy. In the post-match press conference, Moroccan coach Walid Regragui launched a scathing attack on the match officials, accusing them of bias and poor decision-making.
“This was not a fair game,” Regragui stated. “The officials made several questionable calls that ultimately decided the outcome of the match. We feel deeply wronged and will be pursuing all available avenues to seek justice.”
Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, on the other hand, defended his team’s performance and praised their resilience in the face of the hostile environment.
“It was a tough match, no doubt about it,” Cissé said. “But my players showed great character and determination to come away with the win. We’re delighted to have won the AFCON title, but the circumstances surrounding the match are certainly regrettable.”
The fallout from the match is likely to continue in the coming days, with both teams and their respective football associations expected to file formal complaints and appeals. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also announced that it will be launching a full investigation into the incidents that marred the final.
As the dust settles on a dramatic AFCON final, the focus will now shift to the aftermath and the long-term implications of the controversy. One thing is certain: this year’s showpiece event will be remembered more for its off-field drama than the football itself.
