The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco descended into chaos after a series of late refereeing decisions triggered a dramatic walk-off protest by Senegal, leaving the outcome of the match hanging in uncertainty.
With the game goalless deep into stoppage time, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest at what his bench believed was another harsh decision against them.
Initially, the Senegal players gathered near the touchline before being ushered down the tunnel and into the dressing room, halting the final at a critical moment.
As Senegal withdrew, several Morocco players remained inside the penalty area, waiting to take what could have been a match-winning spot-kick.
Referees and officials stood in discussion while the atmosphere inside the stadium grew increasingly volatile.
The disruption spilled into the stands, where Senegal supporters clashed with security personnel as they attempted to move towards the pitch.
Some fans were forcibly removed as stewards worked to restore order amid mounting tension.
Amid the confusion, Senegal captain Sadio Mane remained on the field, visibly unwilling to abandon the contest.
The forward appeared keen for play to resume, even as his team-mates remained absent and the fate of the final remained unclear.
The flashpoint came moments earlier when Morocco were awarded a late penalty following a VAR review.
Brahim Diaz went down in the box under a challenge from left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf and immediately appealed for a foul.
After consulting the pitch-side monitor, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala pointed to the spot, handing Morocco a golden opportunity to claim the trophy.
As Ndala reviewed the footage, players from both sides crowded around officials, adding to the sense of disorder.
When the decision was confirmed, emotions boiled over on the Senegal bench, prompting the walk-off that paused the final.
Senegal’s anger was compounded by another contentious incident just minutes earlier.
They believed they had scored the winning goal when Ismaila Sarr bundled the ball into the net after Abdoulaye Seck’s effort struck the post.
However, play was stopped almost immediately for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who had gone to ground as Seck challenged for position.
The decision, which appeared to receive only a brief VAR check, infuriated the Senegal players and coaching staff.
Moments later, the match restarted with the score still level, setting the stage for the controversial penalty decision that followed.
What should have been a showcase finale of African football instead became a night defined by stoppages, protests and confusion, with the dramatic ending overshadowing the contest itself.
