The Moroccan national security has settled the controversy surrounding the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
The highly competitive clash which ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, witnessed a tense and a charged atmosphere in the second half after a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.
After a widespread protest and Senegal walk-off, the Taranga Lions returned to field following Sadio Mane’s intervention.
Diaz missed Morocco’s penalty kick after executing it poorly in Panenka style, which Mendy easily saved.
The decision triggered anger among sections of Senegalese supporters, leading to scenes of unrest in the stands, with one of the stewards losing his life.
However, the Moroccan national security in a statement has settled the controversy surrounding the passing of the security guards.
Statement from the General Directorate of National Security of Morocco
The General Directorate of National Security categorically denies the misleading news published by some accounts on social media, which claimed that “an alleged death was recorded as a result of a criminal attack, the victim of which was a person tasked with guarding the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, coinciding with the final match of the African Cup of Nations.”
The National Security Services confirm that they have not recorded any deaths of any member of the private security forces, nor among those responsible for collecting the balls, and have not initiated any procedures to examine the body of a person who died as a result of events related to sports riots, data which was confirmed after reviewing various health institutions.
While the interests of national security refute these false and misleading reports, they emphasize that they have notified the competent judicial authorities of the content of these misleading publications and have requested their instructions regarding opening judicial investigations to uncover those involved in publishing and disseminating them, with the aim of determining responsibilities and arranging legal penalties.
