AFCON 2025 Finals: Senegal Crowned Champions Amid Chaos, Drama and Controversy

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial in the history of African football. Senegal were crowned champions after a 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco, but the match was marred by protests, a long VAR delay, a missed penalty, walk-offs, and even legal threats. (Geo Super)

🏆 Senegal Clinch Second AFCON Title in Three Editions

In front of a packed crowd at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift the AFCON trophy. Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal early in extra time—a thunderous left-footed strike that curled into the top corner and sent the visitors into raptures. It is Senegal’s second AFCON title in the last three tournaments. (Geo Super)

⏱️ Late Penalty Drama and 15-Minute VAR Delay

The match erupted into chaos late in regular time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala — on the advice of VAR—awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco after a challenge on Brahim Díaz in stoppage time. Senegal’s players and coach Pape Thiaw were incensed, feeling a goal they’d had disallowed earlier should have stood. In protest, Senegal’s squad briefly walked off the pitch, leading to tension both on the field and in the stands. (FotMob)

After about 15 minutes of delay, players returned. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, who had been outstanding throughout the tournament, stepped up but chose a Panenka-style penalty, which was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. That miss sent the game into extra time and has become one of the defining moments of the final. (African Football)

😢 Díaz’s Public Apology and Emotional Fallout

Following the match, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz—the tournament’s top scorer—issued a heartfelt apology on social media, saying he takes full responsibility for the penalty miss and that his “soul hurts” over the outcome. He vowed to work through the setback and make his fans proud in the future. (The Star)

The penalty drama wasn’t just a sporting moment—it prompted an intense emotional reaction from supporters across Africa, with some Moroccan fans lashing out on social media and others debating the penalty's justification globally. (ghanaweb.com)

🚨 Controversy, Walk-Offs, and Potential Legal Action

The final didn’t just finish with controversy—it continues to generate headlines. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to pursue legal action with CAF and FIFA over Senegal’s withdrawal from the pitch during the penalty situation, claiming it disrupted the match and harmed the integrity of the competition. (RTE.ie)

Senegal’s stopper Edouard Mendy later described the walk-off as an impulsive reaction to a perceived injustice but insisted the team returned and focused on winning, adding that “football won” in the end despite the emotional flare-ups. (Reuters)

🌍 Reactions Across Africa and Beyond

The reaction hasn’t been limited to the stadium. Across social platforms and cities worldwide, fans are divided:

• Some laud Senegal’s resilience and celebrate their second continental crown with parades and fireworks in Dakar. (AP News)
• Others condemn the walk-off protest, calling it unprofessional or damaging to African football’s image. (The Guardian)
• Analysis and fan debates on Reddit and X reveal fierce disagreements over refereeing decisions, with fans arguing over whether the penalty call was justified. (Reddit)
• In France, authorities reported dozens of arrests during public gatherings related to the final, highlighting how big and emotive the match was even outside Africa. (Reddit)

📊 Ranking Impacts and Legacy

Despite the loss, Morocco has achieved its highest-ever FIFA ranking, climbing into the top 10 worldwide, while Senegal also rose significantly following their AFCON victory—underscoring the continental power of both teams on the global stage. (Reuters)

⚽ What Comes Next

The 2025 AFCON final will be talked about for years: a blend of sporting excellence, emotional intensity, procedural controversy, and passionate support. As Africa’s football champions celebrate, debates over officiating, walk-off protests, and the ethics of in-game conduct continue on social platforms and in official corridors of power.

Stay tuned to BreakingPointNews.com for ongoing developments, reaction pieces, and expert analysis as the story continues to unfold.