CAF hands over Fair-Play trophy to probe chaotic end to AFCON final with Morocco

Confederation of African Football It has announced an investigation into “unacceptable behavior by some players and officials” that marred the end of the AFCON final in Rabat last night.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra time Thanks to a spectacular goal from Pape Guye, but not before a shambolic end to regulation time in which the Lions of Teranga left the field in protest at two referee decisions in quick succession.

Shortly after match official Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed a Senegal goal for an apparently innocuous challenge by Abdoulaye Sack on Achraf Hakimi, he was ordered by VAR to go to the pitchside monitor and investigate El Hadji Malik Diouf’s pull on Brahim Diaz.

Again, the contact was barely visible but it drew attention to the venue, sparking the fury of the Senegalese players and a small group of their traveling supporters, some of whom fought with security personnel as they tried to enter the field.

Senegal boss Pep Thiane was clearly seen waving his hand to his players to leave the field. Only Sadio Mane remained and the Al-Nasr forward was visibly angry at what was happening.

Morocco’s Diaz missed after a long delay, relieving Senegal

After a delay of around 17 minutes, Senegal’s players returned and Diaz crossed the penalty line only for Panenka to try and shoot the spot-kick straight into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Ndala then blew the final whistle to take the game into ET.

A CAF statement this morning read: “The Confederation African de Football condemns the unacceptable behavior of some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during a match, particularly targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“CAF is reviewing all the footage and will refer the matter to the competent authorities to take appropriate action against the culprits.”

Senegal boss Thiau is in trouble

Thia is likely to be cleared for his role in escorting his team from the field of play while the behavior of some Morocco players – in addition to matchday staff – will also be scrutinized after online footage showed a ballboy attempting to steal Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel.

In another turn, CAF awarded the Fair-Play Trophy to Morocco throughout the tournament.

It was “awarded to the team that displayed the best spirit of fair-play during the final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, in accordance with the CAF Fair-Play Rules.”