Category: Soccer

Morocco is set to take legal action following the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, where Senegal walked off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision but eventually won the match. The final in Rabat ended 1-0 in favour of Senegal after extra time. Morocco had a chance to snatch victory with a last-minute penalty at the end of regulation, awarded after a VAR review determined a tug on striker Brahim Diaz’s shoulder. Senegalese players reacted by leaving the field, causing a 14-minute delay before returning, during which Diaz missed the crucial spot-kick. In a statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) said: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts.” The federation added: “This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance.” While Morocco’s specific aims in lodging the complaint remain unclear beyond challenging the match events, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from football authorities. Fifa President Gianni Infantino and CAF both criticised Senegal’s players and coaching staff, stating that walk-offs and violent reactions have no place in the sport.

Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in six years after defeating hosts Morocco in a dramatic and controversy-filled final in Rabat. The 2025 AFCON showpiece turned chaotic late in regulation when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute following a VAR review that ruled Moussa Diouf had fouled Brahim Díaz inside the box. Senegal’s players and coaching staff erupted in protest, with head coach Aliou Thiaw ordering his team to walk off the pitch. The frustration was heightened by an earlier incident when Senegal had a goal disallowed for an alleged push on Achraf Hakimi, a decision made without VAR, sparking claims of inconsistent officiating. As tensions escalated, several Senegal players began heading toward the tunnel, threatening to abandon the match, but captain Sadio Mané stepped in to rally his teammates back onto the field. Play eventually resumed, with Édouard Mendy returning to goal as Díaz prepared to take the penalty. The Moroccan striker attempted a panenka, only for Mendy to stay composed and collect the ball, a pivotal moment that shifted momentum in Senegal’s favour. In extra time, Senegal seized their opportunity. Pape Gueye struck a sensational long-range effort in the fourth minute of added time, sending the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper and silencing the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Morocco failed to respond, allowing Senegal to hold on for victory. The win secured their second AFCON title in six years, in a final remembered as much for its controversy and tension as for Gueye’s decisive strike.