The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 concluded with Senegal emerging victorious over hosts Morocco in a final that will be remembered as much for the thrilling football as it will for the chaotic scenes that unfolded in the closing moments. Senegal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory, but the match was overshadowed by a contentious walk-off by the Moroccan team.

Senegal's Road to Victory

Senegal entered the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a squad brimming with talent, including stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. Their path to the final saw them dispatch formidable opponents, including a narrow victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals.

In the final, Senegal took an early lead through a stunning free-kick by Mané, which silenced the home crowd at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Despite Morocco's spirited response, which saw them equalize through a well-placed header by Achraf Hakimi, Senegal regained control in the second half.

  • Senegal's second goal came courtesy of a swift counter-attack, finished off by Ismaïla Sarr.
  • The tactical battle between Senegal's coach Aliou Cissé and his Moroccan counterpart Walid Regragui was intense, with both managers making strategic adjustments throughout the match.

Controversy in Casablanca

The match took a controversial turn in the 85th minute when referee decisions led to a heated dispute. A penalty appeal by Morocco was dismissed after a lengthy VAR review, leading to frustration and protests from the home side.

In an unprecedented move, the Moroccan team walked off the pitch in protest, prompting a delay in proceedings. Officials and organizers scrambled to resolve the situation, and after tense negotiations, the match resumed with Senegal holding firm to secure the victory.

Reactions and Implications

The dramatic conclusion to AFCON 2025 has sparked widespread debate across the footballing world. Senegal's victory is a testament to their resilience and quality on the field, but the circumstances of the final have overshadowed their achievement.

Morocco's walk-off has drawn criticism from various quarters, with discussions focusing on the integrity of officiating and the conduct expected from national teams. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced an investigation into the incident and is expected to address any breaches of conduct.

As Senegal celebrates their historic triumph, the football community will be keenly watching how this incident influences future tournaments and the measures taken to prevent similar occurrences.


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