Major controversies that marred AFCON final

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final will be remembered as one of the most controversial in history, marked by several clashes during the game.

Pape Gueye’s goal in extra time separated Morocco and Senegal, with the West African side emerging victorious in a highly tense encounter to win their second AFCON title in history.

During the match, the host nation was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of added time when Brahim Díaz was brought down in the box by a Senegalese defender.

Senegal defeat hosts Morocco to win 2025 AFCON

This decision triggered outrage among Senegalese fans and players, who were displeased with the referee’s call.

The high-stakes game featured controversial moments that threatened to overshadow the contest, had it not been for the intervention of officials at the stadium.

Senegalese Players Walk Off

Brahim Díaz was awarded a penalty after being pulled down by a Senegalese defender during a corner kick.

Furious with the decision, Senegalese players attempted to boycott the match by staging a walk-off after head coach Pape Thiaw instructed them to leave the field.

This delayed play for quite some time as match officials engaged team officials to settle the issue.

However, Sadio Mané intervened and convinced his teammates to return to the field so the game could resume.

Senegalese Fans Clash with Moroccan Police

Amid the penalty controversy, fans were equally outraged and began throwing items such as plastic chairs onto the pitch to disrupt the match.

Some supporters were seen using the chairs to hit Moroccan officials at the stadium in an attempt to vent their frustration and cause mayhem.

When officials realised the situation was escalating, police personnel quickly rushed to the scene to restore order. Their intervention succeeded, and calm was restored for the match to continue.

Fight Over Édouard Mendy’s Towel

Another controversial incident occurred when Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s towel was taken by Atlas Lions captain Achraf Hakimi, who threw it aside near the goalpost.

Immediately after, one of the Senegalese players on the bench rushed to retrieve the towel, while the Moroccan stewards chased him in an attempt to take it back.

The player was pursued along the sidelines for some time and had to stand his ground firmly before match officials noticed and allowed him to keep the towel.

This act echoed a similar incident in the semi-final, when Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel was seized by Moroccan stewards.

Determined to prevent a repeat, the Senegalese were adamant about holding onto Mendy’s towel.

Watch the controversies below:

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Meanwhile, watch Ghanaians rate Daniel Laryea’s performance at AFCON.