The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has condemned unacceptable behaviour by players, officials, and fans during Sunday’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.
The match descended into chaos late in stoppage time after Senegal players protested a VAR-assisted penalty awarded to Morocco, prompting a temporary walk-off attempt by the team and disturbances in the stands before order was restored.
Disorder also erupted among a section of Senegal supporters, who threw objects and attempted to access the field, but were restrained by police and stewards.
In a post-match statement, Caf said such conduct would not be tolerated.
“CAF condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the statement read.
The governing body highlighted incidents targeting match officials as particularly concerning.
“Caf strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” the statement added.
Caf indicated that disciplinary action could follow, saying, “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
The tension followed a controversial penalty decision in the 98th minute, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala reviewed a challenge on Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf using VAR.
Senegal, angered also by the earlier disallowing of a goal, saw head coach Pape Thiaw attempt to lead his team off the pitch in protest.
Play eventually resumed, and Diaz’s Panenka-style penalty attempt was saved, prompting celebrations from the Senegal bench.
Senegal went on to win 1-0, thanks to a decisive goal by Papa Gueye in added time, claiming their second Afcon title.
While the victory marked a historic moment for Senegal, Caf said the incidents overshadowed what was otherwise a high-profile final.
