Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch during the closing stages of the Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) 2025 final against Morocco after a controversial late penalty decision triggered chaotic scenes in Rabat.
The dramatic incident unfolded deep into stoppage time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with the match eventually stretching beyond 100 minutes despite only eight minutes initially being added.
Penalty decision sparks walk-off
Tensions escalated when Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for pulling Brahim Diaz inside the box, leading the referee to award Morocco a penalty following a VAR review.
The decision came moments after Senegal had a goal by Ismaila Sarr ruled out in added time.
In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field.
Television footage showed the players huddling near the touchline before several of them headed down the tunnel as play remained suspended.
The stoppage dragged on for over 15 minutes as confusion and frustration mounted inside the stadium.
Disorder Spreads to the Stands
The disruption was not limited to the pitch. Disturbing scenes emerged in the stands as Senegal supporters clashed with stewards, with some fans reportedly throwing chairs and attempting to approach the pitch.
Security personnel intervened to restore order as the atmosphere turned volatile.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane played a key role in defusing the situation on the field, urging his teammates to return. He was seen sprinting towards the tunnel to retrieve them before the squad eventually re-emerged to a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
Sadio Mane was instrumental in calling the Senegal players back to the pitch
#AFCONFinal | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/LV34ZuSoL4
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 18, 2026
Missed penalty turns the tide
After the long delay, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who was booked for protesting the decision, saved Diaz’s attempted panenka, keeping the score level at the end of normal time.
Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, speaking on E4’s live broadcast, criticised the scenes, saying: “For African football, this is a shameful end to this tournament… I can understand their frustration but walking off the pitch is not what I want to see.”
Extra time followed immediately, and Senegal capitalised early as Pape Gueye fired home a powerful strike to give the Teranga Lions the lead.
Morocco later hit the crossbar through Nayef Aguerd but were unable to force an equaliser.
Senegal held on to secure a 1-0 victory after extra time, clinching their second AFCON title and denying Morocco a first continental triumph since 1976.