The Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) has condemned what it described ‘unacceptable behavior’ from some players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday, January 18. Midfielder Pape Gueye’s lone goal early in extra time proved decisive in a dramatic final as the Teranga Lions clinched what was the second AFCON title. ALSO READ: Senegal crowned AFCON 2025 champions after chaotic final against Morocco The match was marred by chaos which followed referee Jean-Jacques Ndala’s controversial decision to award a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time after video assistant referee (VAR) review on defender El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz. A visibly frustrated Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, told his players to leave the pitch in protest of the decision, minutes before Sadio Mane, who stayed on the pitch, encouraged his teammates to come back and ‘play like men.’ Brahim, the tournament top scorer, went on to miss the penalty when he tried a panenka which Edouard Mendy comfortably saved. Following the scenes, CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing. “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” a statement by CAF reads in part, adding that appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.
