Champions Senegal condemned by CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has condemned the players and technical staff of Senegal, the 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) champion, for leaving the pitch and objecting to the penalty awarded to Morocco in the final match.

"CAF condemns the unacceptable behavior of some players and technical staff during last night's CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat. CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurred during the match, especially behavior targeting the refereeing team or the match organizers. CAF is reviewing all the footage and will refer the matter to the competent authorities to take the necessary action against those found guilty. " the statement said.

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) was won by Senegal, who defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. In the 90+5th minute of the match, Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Senegal's Malick Diouf tackled Moroccan player Brahim Diaz in the penalty area.

The game was stopped for a long time as Senegalese players objected to the penalty decision. After the Senegalese players withdrew from the field and went to the dressing room, Edouard Mendy saved the "Panenka" penalty used by Morocco's Brahim Diaz at 90+24 and the match went into extra time. In the 94th minute of the extra time, Senegal took a 1-0 lead with Pape Gueye's goal. When there were no other goals in the match, Senegal won the 35th African Cup of Nations.