Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has lifted the lid on the turmoil that surrounded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, saying the team felt they were being treated unfairly at key moments during the match.
Speaking days after lifting the trophy, the Villarreal star provided his first detailed account of one of the most chaotic finals in recent AFCON history.
Moments of tension on the pitch
The final saw Senegal eventually beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time, courtesy of Gueye’s decisive goal in the 94th minute. However, the victory was overshadowed by incidents that left fans, pundits, and even French legend Thierry Henry stunned.
Gueye explained that frustration flared when Ismaila Sarr’s late goal in stoppage time was disallowed, prompting some Senegalese players to leave the field temporarily in protest.
“We felt what was happening was unfair, so some players left the pitch. Sadio [Mané] told us: ‘Let’s continue playing,’ and then the rest of the players intervened, and we returned to finish the match,” Gueye said.
Chaos continued when Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz missed a penalty in the 90+24 minute, coinciding with clashes between security personnel and Senegalese supporters near the edge of the pitch. Gueye, 26, insisted the team managed to maintain focus amid the pressure.
The towel controversy and black magic rumours
One of the most talked-about incidents was the so-called “towel story,” which led to unfounded claims of black magic. Some suggested Moroccan players or ball boys tried to deny goalkeeper Edouard Mendy his towel to disrupt him.
Gueye dismissed the claims: “I saw the footage later when they tried to take the towel. Mendy didn’t tell me about it, but a lot happened in that match – from the towel story to the referee and the stands. Black magic? No, that’s not true.”
He added insight into the locker room dynamics: “Did we want to stay in the locker room or not? I was on the pitch with Mané; I don’t know what was said inside. After we scored, the referee didn’t go to review VAR, but when Diaz missed the penalty, we felt it was time.”
A historic triumph amid controversy
Despite the confusion, Senegal lifted the trophy for only the second time in history, with Gueye’s goal sealing a memorable victory.
