VIDEO: Chaos erupts at AFCON 2025 final press conference as Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw is booed out

A viral video circulating on social media shows Thiaw being jeered, crowded, and shouted down by Moroccan journalists, prompting CAF officials to abruptly cancel the press briefing and escort the Senegalese coach out of the room.

The incident occurred shortly after Senegal sealed their second AFCON title courtesy of Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat.

As Thiaw entered the press room, dozens of journalists surged forward, shouting questions and accusations in a highly charged atmosphere.

Moroccan reporters could be heard booing, while Senegalese journalists clapped in support of the victorious coach. The order could not be restored, and officials terminated the conference within minutes.

Veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who shared the footage online, described the episode as unprecedented.

“I’ve never seen this type of thing at an AFCON,” he wrote, describing Thiaw as being “hounded out” of the room.

The chaotic scenes followed a highly controversial final that was already fraught with tension.

Late in stoppage time, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after Brahim Díaz went down in the box. Moments earlier, Senegal had seen a potential goal disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, a decision that enraged the Senegalese bench.

In protest, Thiaw instructed his players to temporarily walk off the pitch, delaying the match and triggering unrest in the stands and press areas.

Objects were reportedly thrown, and scuffles broke out among spectators and media personnel before calm was restored.

Morocco ultimately failed to capitalise on the penalty, with Édouard Mendy saving Díaz’s panenka attempt, pushing the match into extra time where Senegal struck the decisive blow.