Historic and chaotic scenes have engulfed the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, where the Lions of Teranga currently hold a precarious 1-0 lead in the second half of extra time.
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has been defined by a refused goal, a controversial penalty, and a temporary abandonment that saw the Senegal team walk off the pitch in protest.
Senegal walk off after controversial officiating
The drama began deep into stoppage time of the second half. Senegal believed they had won the tournament when Ismaila Sarr found the net, only for the goal to be controversially ruled out for an alleged foul in the build-up.
The tension reached a boiling point minutes later when VAR intervened at the other end, awarding host nation Morocco a penalty for an infringement in the box.
Furious with the officiating double standard, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw signaled for his players to leave the field.
In unprecedented scenes for a continental final, the Senegalese squad retreated to the tunnel, halting the game as CAF officials scrambled to restore order.
? THIS IS CRAZY! The AFCON final is delivering a DRAMATIC ending we’ve never seen before in international football. ???
?? 92’: Goal disallowed for Senegal for a soft foul, with no VAR check
?? 96’: Penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review
?? 112’: Senegal players head… pic.twitter.com/7JShne6eyu
— Football Tweet ?? (@Footballtweet) January 18, 2026
Mendy saves Brahim Diaz Paneka penalty
When play eventually resumed, the pressure fell on Morocco’s star man, Brahim Diaz.
However, the lengthy delay appeared to play into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The Real Madrid forward attempted a Panenka, but Mendy stood his ground to make a comfortable save, silencing the home crowd and sending the game into extra time.
90+ 13 | ??????
Panenka stopped! Brahim DÃaz fails to beat the keeper#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #UBCAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/bpBkmbKSyg
— UBC UGANDA…
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