AFCON 2025 final: CAF "condemns the behaviour of some players" and "is reviewing all footage"

"The Confederation of African Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal (0-1 after extra time) in Rabat (MAR) last night (18/01/2026)," announced the body on 19/01/2026.

CAF is reacting to incidents that occurred at the end of the match after Senegal protested two decisions made by the referee, Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala (Congo): a disallowed goal for Senegal (without VAR intervention, 90+2) and a penalty given to Morocco moments later (after VAR review, 90+8). Finding this decision particularly unfair, the Senegalese players decided to leave the pitch, before returning to resume play after an 18-minute interruption. The penalty taken by Brahim Diaz was subsequently saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Senegal went on to win the match with a goal from Pape Gueye early in extra time (94'), securing their second AFCON title after their first win in 2021. Clashes between fans throughout the stadium, including in the press box, also occurred at the end of the match.

CAF "strongly…