- Home >
- Soccer >
- CAF Africa Cup of Nations >
- Controversy in the AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal Walk Off the Pitch
Controversy in the AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal Walk Off the Pitch
The battle for the title between Senegal and Morocco reached a boiling point when the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The AFCON 2025 Final ended in heavy controversy after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch following the penalty decision in favor of Morocco.
Why did Senegal leave the pitch in the Final?
The decision by the Lions of Teranga came after a shirt pull inside the box on Brahim Díaz was ruled a penalty. Feeling hard done by, Senegal’s players protested the call and headed toward the tunnel, bringing the match to a halt.
The chaotic scene lasted close to ten minutes, creating a tense and unprecedented moment in the closing stages of the continental final.
Brahim Díaz Missed the Penalty for Morocco
In an unexpected moment, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but Édouard Mendy read the kick perfectly and saved the shot in the AFCON 2025 Final.
Moments later, Senegal took advantage of the momentum, and during extra time, the Lions of Teranga scored the go-ahead goal, taking the lead in a dramatic and tense Africa Cup of Nations final.
