Tensions from a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final spilled over after full time on Sunday, as Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Morocco’s Walid Regragui were involved in a heated confrontation that nearly turned physical.
The incident occurred moments after Senegal secured a 1–0 extra-time victory to lift the AFCON 2025 trophy at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Although the two coaches initially exchanged a handshake, the situation quickly escalated into a fiery verbal exchange. The confrontation was only defused following swift intervention from Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and members of Senegal’s technical staff, preventing the argument from degenerating into a full-blown altercation.
Pape Thiaw was like; “nope, I’ll keep this energy that gave me the CHAN 2022 and 2025 AFCON” when Regragui tried to school him on staying class🙂#AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/VSQjO19CDm
— Bambe Wanneh Giovanni (@BambeWanneh) January 19, 2026
Controversial decisions ignite emotions
The roots of the tension lay in a series of late, contentious refereeing decisions that defined the final. With the match deep into stoppage time, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty shortly after disallowing a Senegalese goal, a sequence that enraged the Senegal bench.
In protest, Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch, a decision that briefly plunged the final into uncertainty. Several Senegal players headed towards the tunnel before captain Sadio Mané defied the order and convinced his teammates to return to the field, a moment that proved pivotal in preserving the integrity of the contest.
Missed penalty turns the tide
Morocco failed to capitalise on the lifeline when Brahim Díaz squandered the penalty, tamely placing his effort into the hands of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The miss shifted momentum decisively, forcing the match into extra time amid an electric atmosphere.
Senegal eventually found the breakthrough in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike to settle the final. Despite late pressure from Morocco, Senegal’s defensive discipline and Mendy’s composure ensured the slender lead was protected.
Senegal cement continental authority
The triumph delivered Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their 2021 success, and further underlined their dominance in African football this decade.
Notably, both titles have been secured under national coaches, with Thiaw joining Aliou Cissé in leading the Teranga Lions to continental glory.
More than a final, AFCON 2025 ended as a gripping football saga, shaped by controversy, raw emotion and a decisive moment of brilliance that sealed Senegal’s place at the summit of African football.
