AFCON 2025: Shock as controversial hosts Morocco given Fair Play Award

AFCON 2025 ended in dramatic fashion, but it was not only Senegal’s triumph that dominated the headlines.

Shock rippled through social media after hosts Morocco were controversially handed the tournament’s Fair Play Award.

The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco was a fiercely contested affair that descended into controversy in the closing stages.

Both sides were evenly matched for long spells, with chances limited in a cagey first half as Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced key saves, including a one-on-one stop against Iliman Ndiaye.

Senegal believed they had finally broken the deadlock late in normal time, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Moments later, VAR intervened to award Morocco a penalty deep into stoppage time, igniting fury on the Senegal bench and among the players. Pape Thiaw instructed his side to walk off the pitch in protest, with the Teranga Lions briefly heading towards the dressing room.

It took the leadership of captain Sadio Mané to calm the situation and convince his teammates to return. Justice appeared to follow, as Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz’s attempted Panenka before Pape Gueye sealed victory in extra time with a stunning strike.

Despite the controversy that surrounded Morocco throughout the tournament, the Atlas Lions were later awarded the AFCON 2025 Fair Play Award by CAF.

According to the governing body, the prize recognises “the team that showed the best fair-play spirit during the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, in conformity with CAF Fair-play regulations.”

The decision sparked disbelief and anger among fans, particularly on social media platform X, where “Football won” trended following Senegal’s victory. Supporters accused Morocco of benefiting from favourable refereeing decisions, pointing to controversial calls in wins over Nigeria and Cameroon before the final.

For many, the Fair Play Award felt at odds with the events witnessed on the pitch and throughout the entire AFCON 2025 tournament.