AFCON Final: CAF Condemns ‘Unacceptable Behaviour’ Of Senegalese Players, Officials

African football’s governing body, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), has vowed to take ‘appropriate action’ following ‘unacceptable behaviour’ by Senegal players and officials during the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 Final Sunday night.

The match, contested between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat, was marred by chaotic scenes toward the end.

The controversy erupted deep into injury time with the score tied at 0-0, when referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty. Many Senegalese players protested the decision by walking off the pitch, leading to a significant delay. Simultaneously, reports indicated clashes between Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel in the stands.

CAF, in a statement released on Monday, condemned any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. The continental soccer body confirmed it was “reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

Despite the disruption, the game eventually resumed after former Liverpool star Sadio Mané encouraged his teammates to return. Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, saved Brahim Diaz’s subsequent penalty. Senegal eventually secured a 1-0 victory in extra time thanks to a superb goal from Pape Gueye.