Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Senegal Wins AFCON 2025 After Dramatic Walk-Off
During the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, the referee made some decisions that Senegal didn't like.
First, the referee disallowed a goal for a foul in the buildup.
Then, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review.
Senegal's manager, Pape Thiaw, was very upset and told his players to leave the field.
However, Sadio Mane calmed his teammates down, and they returned to the game.
In extra time, Pape Gueye scored a long-range winner to help Senegal win the match and the AFCON 2025 title.
It was a very dramatic and exciting game!
After the match, CAF condemned Senegal's behavior and plans to take appropriate action.
Senegal won the AFCON 2025 final against Morocco with a goal from Pape Gueye in extra time.
A controversial referee decision disallowed a Senegal goal for a foul in the buildup.
Morocco was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which Senegal protested.
Senegal's manager, Pape Thiaw, instructed his team to walk off the field in protest.
Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return to the field, leading to Senegal's victory.
- Who
- Senegal national football team and their manager, Pape Thiaw
- What
- Controversial referee decisions led to a walkout and eventual victory
- When
- During the AFCON 2025 final on January 18, 2026
- Where
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Why
- Due to a disallowed goal and an awarded penalty
Senegal
CAF
Walkout Protest
Senegal
Senegal's coach and players protested a controversial penalty decision by walking off the field.
CAF
CAF condemned the walkout as unacceptable behavior and plans to take appropriate action.
- Teams Involved
- Senegal and Morocco
- Incident
- Controversial referee decisions
- Action Taken
- Senegal players walked off the field
- Reason for Walkout
- Disallowed goal and awarded penalty
- Manager
- Pape Thiaw
- Winning Goal
- Pape Gueye (extra time)
- Date
- January 18, 2026
- Trophy
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025
- CAF Statement
- CAF condemned the behavior and is reviewing footage for appropriate action.
- Sadio Mane's Role
- Persuaded teammates to return to the field
Sources
Drama In AFCON Final! Senegal Stage Walkout After Referee Robs Them Of Goal, Gives Morocco Penalty - Watch
Senegal Stage Walkout VS Morocco, Sadio Mane Calls Players Back; Brahim Díaz Misses Controversial Penalty - Watch
AFCON 2025: Senegal Beat Morocco Following Dramatic Walk-Off
Senegal stun hosts Morocco in drama-hit AFCON Final after walk-off protest
African Cup final farce: Senegal walk-out after penalty but return to beat Morocco and win title
‘I apologise to football’, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw issues apology after AFCON final fiasco
FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino Criticizes “Unacceptable” Senegal Conduct At Chaotic Africa Cup Final
