Fresh details have emerged regarding the dramatic moments that led to Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat.
Senegal defender Mamadou Sarr has shed light on what unfolded behind the scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the Lions of Teranga eventually secured a 1-0 victory to lift their second AFCON title, following their previous success in 2021. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to seal the historic triumph.
Speaking to Moroccan outlet Al-Botola, Sarr revealed how players reacted during the tense moments after leaving the field in protest.
“We told each other that we must continue, because this is our duty,” he said.
He admitted that confusion and disappointment initially dominated the mood within the camp.
“I can’t comprehend what happened, but we are extremely happy. We spoke after we left the field because we were disappointed and said that this was not possible.”
The Strasbourg defender explained that discussions among the players, combined with intervention from match officials, ultimately led to their return.
“We agreed internally to return. The officials also spoke to us and perhaps this motivated us to return to the pitch.”
Sarr also highlighted the influence of Senegal captain Sadio Mane, who remained on the touchline and urged his teammates to resume play, a moment widely seen as pivotal in restoring calm.
The final minutes of regular time were marked by extreme tension after a Senegal goal was disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Ibrahim Diaz, triggering strong protests from the Senegalese players and leading to their brief exit from the field on the instructions of coach Pape Thiaw.
After play resumed, Diaz missed the penalty in dramatic fashion, before Pape Gueye fired a powerful strike past Yassine Bounou to hand Senegal the title and extend Morocco’s wait for a second AFCON crown, a drought that has now stretched for nearly five decades.
Meanwhile, CAF is investigating the chaotic incident that marred the final of the 2025 AFCON.
