The dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat has taken a further twist, with extraordinary accusations emerging in Morocco against the Senegal national team in the aftermath of a chaotic and ill-tempered decider.
Senegal were crowned African champions on Sunday night after a turbulent final against hosts Morocco that veered repeatedly from tension to outright disorder.
The Teranga Lions believed they had won the match in regulation time when Ismaila Sarr found the net late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Moments later, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty following a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.
What followed stunned the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest, with several heading towards the dressing room and play halted for around 17 minutes.
After the team eventually returned, Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty which was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy. The final then drifted into extra time, where Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal to seal Senegal’s second AFCON title.
The fallout has been intense. According to reports highlighted by the Daily Star, a Moroccan member of parliament publicly called for referee Ndala to be suspended and prosecuted, arguing that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal should have resulted in the match being abandoned and the title awarded to Morocco.
More remarkably, the same politician accused Senegal of engaging in witchcraft inside the dressing room during the delay before the penalty was taken, a claim that has further inflamed public debate and drawn widespread attention across the region.
Tensions spilled beyond the pitch. Reports from inside the stadium suggested attempts by Moroccan players and ball boys to seize Mendy’s towel, while Thiaw cut short his post-match press conference amid jeers from sections of the Moroccan media.
For Morocco, the pain of losing a home final was compounded by Diaz’s missed penalty. The Real Madrid forward later issued an emotional message accepting responsibility and apologising to supporters, vowing to return stronger and repay the faith placed in him.
AS