The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong condemnation following the unruly behaviour that marred the end of the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night.
CAF's Stern Rebuke Over Finale Chaos
In an official statement released on Monday, the continental football governing body expressed its disapproval of the events that unfolded at the conclusion of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final. The match, held in Rabat, saw Senegal clinch a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time.
CAF specifically denounced the conduct of certain Senegal players and team officials, labelling it as "unacceptable." The body reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour during matches, especially actions targeted at match officials or tournament organisers.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The championship triumph for Senegal, secured by Pape Gueye's extra-time strike, was overshadowed by a dramatic late incident. A disputed penalty decision awarded to Morocco in the dying moments of regular time prompted Senegal's entire team to abandon the pitch in protest.
This act led to an angry confrontation around the match officials and caused a halt in play for over 15 minutes. After the lengthy delay, the Senegalese players returned to the field. Moroccan star Brahim Diaz then missed the crucial penalty, with his attempted 'Panenka' chip being easily saved by former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
Disciplinary Proceedings Now Underway
CAF has confirmed that it is taking concrete steps in response to the incident. The organisation disclosed that it is reviewing all available footage from the final to get a complete picture of the events.
The matter will be referred to the competent disciplinary bodies for further evaluation and appropriate action. CAF's statement made it clear that individuals found guilty of misconduct will face sanctions. This move underscores CAF's commitment to maintaining respect and order in African football.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that on-field success must be paired with sportsmanship, even in the heat of a high-stakes continental final.
