There was no shortage of drama in the showpiece finale of the Africa Cup of Nations as Senegal emerged victorious against Morocco.
The final in Rabat, which was delayed by 15 minutes as Senegal's players protested referee Jean‑Jacques Ngambo Ndala's decision to award the hosts a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, minutes after disallowing a Senegal goal, resulting in the entire team heading back to the dressing room at the instruction of manager Pape Thiaw.
Sadio Mané, who stayed on the pitch during the chaos, ordered his team back onto the field to finish the game, where Brahim Diaz went on to attempt a Panenka penalty that was easily saved by Edouard Mendy, before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal four minutes into extra time.
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Mané, whose leadership in a moment of chaos was widely praised following the final, says it would have been "crazy" to not return to the field and finish the game.
"It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen," Mané told reporters about potentially abandoning the game.
"Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that.
Sadio Mane was instrumental in calling the Senegal players back to the pitch 👏#AFCONFinal | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/LV34ZuSoL4
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 18, 2026
"African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world.
"So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game?
"I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football."
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw, now faces a possible fine and suspension for ordering his team off the pitch, offering an apology post-game.
"After reflecting, I really did not like the fact that I told my players to leave the pitch," Thiaw said.
"I apologise to football. I brought them back. Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. We asked ourselves whether that penalty could have been given if our goal before that had been allowed. But now we accept the referee’s mistakes, that can happen. We should not have done it, but it is already done. We apologise."
🇸🇳🤯 La conférence de presse d’après-match de Pape Thiaw a été interrompue suite à des altercations entre journalistes. #SENMAR #CAN2025 pic.twitter.com/0XplOJp9h2
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) January 18, 2026
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The Confédération Africaine de Football issued a statement following the final, saying they will review the incident before issuing any sanctions to Thiaw.
"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.
"CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.
“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the scenes which unfolded at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, calling for CAF to take "appropriate measures" over the "ugly scenes" in Rabat.
"We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"We strongly condemn the behaviour of some "supporters" as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.
"We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.
"It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures."