AFCON 2025 Final descends into chaos as Senegal edge past Morocco after exit drama
Dramatic scenes and chaos engulfed the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, where the Lions of Teranga are currently leading 1-0 in the second half of extra time.
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was defined by a disallowed goal, a controversial penalty, and a temporary suspension that led the Senegalese team to leave the field in protest.
Senegal came out after a tense game
The drama started midway through the second half. Senegal believed they had won the tournament when Ismaila Sarr found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out due to an alleged foul during the build-up.
The tension reached a boiling point after a few minutes when VAR intervened at the other end, awarding hosts Morocco a penalty for an infringement in the box.
Annoyed by the double standard, the manager of Senegal, Pape Thiaw, told his players to leave the field.
In unprecedented scenes at a continental final, the Senegal team retreated to the tunnel, halting the game as CAF officials tried to restore order.
? THIS IS CRAZY! The AFCON final brings a dramatic finish that we have never seen in international football. ???
?? 92′: A goal disallowed for Senegal for playing a soft ball, without a VAR check
?? 96′: Morocco are awarded a penalty after a VAR review
?? 112′: Senegal players take the lead… pic.twitter.com/7JShne6eyu– Football Tweet ?? (@footballtweet) January 18, 2026
Mendy saves Brahim Diaz Paneka’s penalty
When the game continued, the pressure fell on the star of Morocco, Brahim Diaz.
However, the long delay seemed to play into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
The Real Madrid striker attempted Panenka, but Mendy stood up to save comfortably, silencing the home crowd and sending the game into extra time.
90+ 13 | ??????
Panenka is standing! Brahim Díaz fails to beat the goalkeeper#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #UBCAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/bpBkmbKSyg
— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) January 18, 2026
Pape Gueye scored an incredible score to break the deadlock
This rivalry seemed to awaken the champions. Just four minutes into the first half of extra time, Pape Gueye once again silenced the crowd.
The midfielder unleashed a volley from outside the box that flew into the top corner, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead.
90+3 | ??????
Gueye kicks Senegal out of the game#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #UBCAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/JxBXbH3arP
— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) January 18, 2026
Despite the controversy and seemingly trying to rob Senegal of victory in favor of the host country, the Champions of Champions prevailed, winning the tournament for the second time in a row.
Sadio Mane – The true hero of Senegal
When manager Pape Thiaw initially ordered the team back to the dressing room in protest of a late penalty, Mane appeared at the heart of the chaos, initially following his coach but soon realizing the gravity he might have lost.
Although emotions were running high following the perceived double injustice of the disallowed goal and the Moroccan penalty, Mane reportedly took the reins, urging his team-mates to win the trophy only on the pitch, not in the tunnel.
The Senegalese fans would have destroyed the stadium but thanks to Sadio Mane who is a true legend they are now leading by a goal.#AFCON2025
pic.twitter.com/blszaileQn– Bearded Priest (@BeardedPriest1) January 18, 2026
In a final that will be remembered for decades, Sadio Mane’s leadership showed heroism as his decision ended up winning the tournament for Senegal.
