Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has strongly condemned the incidents that overshadowed the closing stages of the Africa Cup of Nations final, describing the scenes as “regrettable” and “deplorable” while calling for calm and perspective after a night of high tension between hosts Morocco and champions Senegal.
The AFCON final descended into chaos late in regulation time after a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty at 0-0. The decision provoked an angry reaction from the Senegal bench, with players walking off the pitch in protest before eventually returning following lengthy intervention.
The stoppage lasted more than ten minutes and contributed to an increasingly volatile atmosphere inside the stadium.
Off the pitch, the situation deteriorated further as groups of Senegalese supporters clashed with Moroccan security while attempting to access the field of play.
Although Senegal went on to win the match 1-0 after extra time, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s decisive goal, the football was largely eclipsed by the disorder that unfolded during and after the penalty incident.
In a statement issued by the royal palace on Thursday, King Mohammed VI did not shy away from criticising the scenes that unfolded during the final moments of the showpiece event.
He said the match had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behaviour,” stressing that such actions ran counter to the values African football seeks to promote.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” the King said, seeking to strike a balance between condemnation and reconciliation.
He added: “Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships.”
The King’s remarks carry particular weight given the longstanding relationship between Morocco and Senegal, two nations that maintain close diplomatic and economic ties.
Moroccan firms and financial institutions have invested heavily across Senegal in recent years, reinforcing Rabat’s broader African engagement.
Despite the controversy, King Mohammed VI also pointed to the wider success of the tournament, describing AFCON as a reflection of Morocco’s development and organisation and “a success for all of Africa.”
Football’s governing bodies are now expected to act. The Confederation of African Football has confirmed it will review the incidents and take “appropriate action,” while FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already condemned the conduct of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff.
