The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will be remembered not only for its footballing drama but also for a chaotic stoppage that nearly derailed the showpiece event.
Played in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the clash lived up to its billing as a bruising, high-stakes encounter between two African heavyweights. But deep into stoppage time, the final descended into confusion, controversy and disorder.
VAR Drama Sparks Mayhem in Stoppage Time
With the match goalless late in regulation time, referee proceedings were interrupted following a VAR review of an alleged pull by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz inside the penalty area.
The review dragged on for several minutes, heightening tension inside the stadium. When the decision finally went Morocco’s way and a penalty was awarded, emotions spilled over.
Senegalese Fans Storm Pitch Side
Moments after the penalty call, a section of Senegalese supporters surged toward the pitch side, forcing security officials to intervene.
The situation worsened when some Senegal players protested the decision and briefly staged a walk-off, bringing the final to a standstill for over 20 minutes.
The atmosphere turned volatile as stewards worked to restore order and officials attempted to calm both teams.
Mane’s Leadership Steadies Senegal
Amid the turmoil, Sadio Mane emerged as a calming influence, urging his teammates to return to the pitch and see out the contest.
His composure and leadership were widely praised, with many crediting the former African Footballer of the Year for ensuring the final continued.
Diaz Misses as Senegal Survive
When play eventually resumed, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty for Morocco. In a moment that stunned the home fans, the forward attempted a Panenka, only to see the effort fail to beat the Senegalese goalkeeper.
The miss proved decisive as momentum swung Senegal’s way. The West Africans struck in extra time, as Pape Gueye found the decisive goal to seal a tense 1-0 victory.
The strike crowned Senegal AFCON 2025 champions, silencing the home crowd and capping a final that had everything from controversy, chaos, missed chances and ultimate redemption.
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