AFCON 2025 Final Descends into Chaos as Coaches Clash
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final concluded in dramatic and controversial fashion, with Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw and Morocco's manager Walid Regragui engaging in a heated confrontation during the closing moments of normal regulation time. The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was marred by contentious refereeing decisions that sparked widespread protest.
Controversial Decisions Spark Senegal Walk-Off
The tension reached a boiling point when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to the host nation, Morocco, shortly after incorrectly disallowing a goal for Senegal. In response to what he perceived as unjust officiating, Pape Thiaw made the drastic decision to order his players to leave the pitch in protest. However, the intervention of Senegal captain Sadio Mane proved crucial, as he persuaded his teammates to return and complete the match.
Despite the disruption, the game resumed, and Brahim Diaz missed the resulting penalty for Morocco. In a stunning turn of events, Pape Gueye scored a magnificent goal just four minutes into additional time, securing a dramatic victory for Senegal. The aftermath of the match continues to unfold, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launching a formal investigation into the incidents, and Morocco submitting a petition urging CAF to strip Senegal of the title.
Video Footage Discloses Coaches' Heated Exchange
BeIN Sport has released exclusive footage from the AFCON final, providing a detailed account of the verbal altercation between Walid Regragui and Pape Thiaw moments before Senegal's walk-off. The exchange captures the intense emotions and conflicting perspectives of both managers.
Walid Regragui: “Wait a minute, Pape!”
Pape Thiaw: “No, no, no… because what happened there (the penalty awarded for Brahim Díaz), that’s not normal!”
Walid Regragui, addressing the Senegalese team's intention to leave the pitch: “But is that normal?”
Pape Thiaw: “And the disallowed goal, is that normal?”
Walid Regragui: “But he blew the whistle before!”
Regragui Criticizes Thiaw's Conduct in Post-Match Comments
During his post-match press conference, Walid Regragui did not hold back in condemning the actions of his counterpart, Pape Thiaw, despite attempting to de-escalate the situation during the fracas. Regragui expressed his disappointment, stating that the incident had tarnished the image of African football on the global stage.
“The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful, a coach who asks his players to leave the field. What Pape did does not honour Africa,” Regragui remarked, as reported by The Guardian. “He had already started in the [pre-match] press conference. He wasn’t classy. But he is a champion, so he can say whatever he wants. We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes.”
Potential Consequences for Both Coaches
The fallout from the AFCON 2025 final could have significant implications for the future careers of both Pape Thiaw and Walid Regragui. It is widely anticipated that Thiaw will face severe sanctions from CAF, which may impact his ability to lead Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, Regragui's position as the head coach of the Moroccan national team, the Atlas Lions, remains uncertain following the controversial conclusion of the tournament.
Referees Acknowledge Sadio Mane's Leadership
In the wake of the chaotic final, match officials, including centre referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, fourth official Abongile Tom, and VAR assistant Letticia Viana, expressed their gratitude to Sadio Mane for his pivotal role in restoring calm and order. The Senegal captain's intervention was instrumental in ensuring the match could be completed, highlighting his leadership and sportsmanship amidst the turmoil.
