The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco descended into unprecedented tension on Sunday night in Rabat, after a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco deep into stoppage time led Senegal to walk off the pitch in protest.

The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, had remained goalless through regular time before a chaotic series of events turned the finale into turmoil.

A Late Penalty Sparks Outrage

In the 90+7th minute, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala pointed to the penalty spot for what was deemed a foul by Senegalese defender Malick Diouf on Morocco’s Brahim Díaz. The decision followed a VAR review confirming contact inside the box.

Just minutes earlier, Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Ismaïla Sarr scored on a rebound after a corner—but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi during the action.

These back‑to‑back decisions triggered fury from the Senegalese bench.

Pape Thiaw Orders His Team to Leave the Field

In a rare and symbolic protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch before the Moroccan penalty could be taken. Flashscore’s live commentary reported that Thiaw “asked the Senegalese players to exit the field,” prompting the Lions of Teranga to walk off in collective dissent.

Morocco’s players remained on the field waiting, as confusion spread across the stadium and tensions escalated between staff and officials. The match was temporarily suspended amid the turmoil.

A Finale Overshadowed by Controversy

Prior to the dramatic ending, both teams had struggled to break the deadlock despite several clear chances on each side. But the closing moments turned what had been a tactical and balanced contest into one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history.

Crowds at the stadium reacted with shock as the Senegalese team headed down the tunnel, leaving the outcome of the final momentarily uncertain.

What Happens Next?

As of the latest updates from the live feeds, officials were attempting to restore order and convince the Senegalese side to return to the pitch so the penalty could be taken and the match concluded.
No immediate statement from CAF had yet been released regarding potential sanctions or match continuity.

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Arbitrage "corrompu" : Pape Thiaw demande aux joueurs sénégalais de quitter le terrain