‘You don't want to see a team leaving the field’ — Henry slams Senegal, referees for AFCON 2025 final debacle

Thierry Henry has criticised both Senegal and the match officials after the AFCON 2025 final descended into chaos despite an otherwise outstanding tournament.

The former Arsenal and France star believes the controversy tarnished what should have been a celebration of African football.

Speaking after the final, Henry was quick to praise Morocco’s hosting of the competition, applauding the infrastructure, stadiums and overall organisation.

However, he made it clear that Senegal’s reaction during the final crossed a line, saying, “What you saw, the reaction of the team of Senegal wanting to leave the field was wrong. That’s not the image that you want to give — not just for African football, but for any football.“

Senegal players attempted to walk off after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco deep into stoppage time following a lengthy VAR review.

Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch, with several heading toward the dressing room before captain Sadio Mané intervened and persuaded them to return. Henry stressed that while emotions run high in finals, abandoning the field should never happen.

Henry also turned his attention to officiating, suggesting referees failed to match the quality of the tournament. He argued that many of the issues seen at AFCON stem from officiating errors, saying referees “are not at the level of the show.”

The 14-minute delay before Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka penalty only heightened tensions, with Edouard Mendy saving comfortably before Senegal eventually won 1-0 in extra time through Pape Gueye.

While Senegal secured their second AFCON title in three editions, Henry believes the final’s controversy overshadowed a competition that had otherwise showcased African football at its best.