AFCON 2025: CAF condemns Senegal, Morocco after ‘unacceptable behaviour' in controversial final

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has issued a scathing condemnation of both Senegal and Morocco following "unacceptable" behaviour during the AFCON 2025 final, threatening to tarnish what should have been African football's showpiece occasion.

The rebuke comes after a dramatic encounter in Rabat that saw Senegal crowned champions, but the victory was overshadowed by chaotic scenes on and off the pitch. 

The tournament has been plagued by bizarre controversies, from the "towel-stealing" saga involving Achraf Hakimi and Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali to heated confrontations between coaching staff and fans.

The final descended into a farce deep into second-half stoppage time. After a controversial VAR-reviewed penalty was awarded to Morocco, the Senegalese team, led by coach Pape Thiaw, staged a walk-off protest that delayed the match for nearly 15 minutes.

While captain Sadio Mane eventually persuaded his teammates to return, the tension remained at a boiling point. 

Morocco's Brahim Díaz eventually took the penalty, but his attempt was saved by Edouard Mendy. Senegal later secured the win with an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye.

In a Monday morning press release, the governing body expressed its dismay at the conduct of players and officials:

“The Confederation Africaine de Football 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.

CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

CAF's disciplinary committee is expected to look into several specific incidents: The Senegal Walk-off: The 14-minute disruption caused by the Teranga Lions' protest against the referee.

Towel Antics: Viral footage showing Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and ball boys attempting to seize Edouard Mendy's towel to disrupt his focus.

Post-Match Scuffles: Confrontations in the press box and on the field between journalists and technical staff from both nations.

Fan Unrest: Objects thrown onto the pitch by fans following the late penalty decision.

With potential fines and suspensions looming, CAF is under pressure to restore dignity to a competition that has increasingly been defined by its off-field drama.