Violent and chaotic scenes overshadowed the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final as clashes erupted between Senegal supporters and stadium stewards, forcing the intervention of riot police at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The disturbances marred what was already a tense and emotionally charged match, highlighting the high stakes and passionate investment of fans in one of Africa’s premier football tournaments.
The disorder began late in normal time after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time, a decision that immediately sparked chaos both on and off the pitch. The tension in the stadium escalated as tempers flared among players, officials, and supporters alike, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability and unrest.
Controversial penalty triggers chaos
The drama began when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala penalised Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf for pulling down Morocco forward Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area, following a VAR review. The decision came at a critical point in the game, with the match hanging in the balance and Senegal having had a goal disallowed shortly before, further inflaming tensions on the pitch and in the stands.
The penalty decision prompted immediate protest from Senegal’s coaching staff. Head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the field in a display of dissent, sending several players down the tunnel while others gathered along the touchline as the match was temporarily halted. The stoppage time was extended dramatically, stretching to 24 minutes to account for the delay caused by the protest.
After a delay of over 15 minutes, play eventually resumed, with Brahim Diaz stepping up to take the penalty. He attempted a panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy made a comfortable save, maintaining Senegal’s position and sending the final into extra time, further heightening the tension and anticipation among players and fans alike.
🇸🇳🇲🇦 Senegal fans Vandalize and invade pitch, Coach walks his PLayers off after VAR call vs Morocco in the final
… Omo everywhere dun catch fire 😳#afcon #afcon2025 pic.twitter.com/2ejbR7FBxP
— Football Fans Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) January 18, 2026
Violence in the stands escalates
While tensions played out on the pitch, serious disturbances broke out in the stadium stands. Social media footage showed Senegal fans clashing with stewards, with chairs and other objects used as improvised weapons as the unrest spilled dangerously close to the field of play. Security personnel initially struggled to contain the situation, leading to the deployment of riot police who were positioned strategically to restore order in the affected sections of the stadium.
Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, providing live commentary on E4, condemned the incidents, calling the scenes “shameful” for African football. He remarked: “For African football, this is a shameful end to this tournament. I can understand their frustration, but walking off the pitch is not what I want to see.”
Senegal prevail despite turmoil
Despite the chaos, Senegal regrouped during extra time and managed to score the decisive goal four minutes into the additional period. Pape Gueye drove forward and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that sailed past Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, hitting the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net, giving the Teranga Lions a 1-0 lead.
Morocco continued to push for an equaliser, coming close when Nayef Aguerd struck the woodwork. Bounou also denied Cherif Ndiaye with a crucial double save to preserve Senegal’s advantage. Ultimately, Senegal held firm to secure a dramatic and hard-fought 1-0 victory, despite the earlier turmoil and interruptions.
The triumph marked Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title in three editions, while Morocco was left to reflect on a final characterized as much by controversy, protests, and crowd unrest as by the on-field football. The chaotic events of the match, combined with the dramatic conclusion, will likely remain a defining moment in AFCON history for players, officials, and fans alike.