AFCON 2025: Senegal star Pape Gueye admits walk-off against Morocco was a mistake

Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations final hero, Pape Gueye, has admitted that his team made a mistake by walking off the pitch during the heated AFCON 2025 final against hosts Morocco.

The incident occurred late in normal time in Rabat after Senegal had a goal disallowed for a push in the penalty area. Moments later, Morocco was awarded a penalty, a decision that infuriated Senegal’s players.

In protest, the Senegalese squad walked off the pitch, triggering a delay of more than 15 minutes as security intervened amid clashes in the stands.

After discussions in the dressing room, Senegal eventually returned to the field to resume the match.

Upon the restart, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz failed to capitalise on the penalty, missing with an attempted “Panenka” that was easily dealt with by the Senegal goalkeeper.

The miss proved pivotal, as the match progressed to extra time with Senegal regaining composure and momentum.

Gueye then recorded his name into AFCON history by scoring the decisive goal, sealing victory for the Teranga Lions.

Speaking in an interview with French television, Gueye described the decision as an emotional reaction to controversial officiating and expressed relief that the situation did not ultimately derail Senegal’s title charge.

“We are only human; we realised our mistake and came back out, Anyone can make a mistake,” the 26-year-old midfielder said.