Newly released behind-the-scenes footage has shed fresh light on the most explosive moment of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, offering a clearer picture of how events spiralled during the controversial stoppage that stunned the Rabat crowd.
Senegal clinched their second AFCON title with a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over the host nation, but the football itself was almost overshadowed by chaos late in regulation time.
With the match goalless, Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala first disallowed a Senegalese goal before awarding Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, a decision that immediately provoked furious reactions from the Senegal bench.
At that point, head coach Pape Thiaw took the extraordinary step of instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest. Several Senegal players headed toward the tunnel, bringing the final to a halt and plunging the stadium into confusion as officials attempted to restore order.
The newly published footage, released by Moroccan outlet Al Botola, captures the precise moment Thiaw communicated his decision to the referee.
The video also reveals that Moroccan players standing nearby were able to hear the exchange. Among them was Achraf Hakimi, who, along with a few teammates, approached the Senegal coach in an apparent attempt to calm the situation and persuade him to reconsider.
Despite those efforts, Thiaw remained unmoved and continued to signal for his players to leave the field. The match was suspended for several minutes before Senegal captain Sadio Mané intervened, rallying his teammates and convincing them to return so the game could continue.
Once play resumed, Morocco’s hopes swung again when Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the delayed penalty, only for his Panenka-style attempt to be comfortably saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The momentum shifted decisively in extra time, where Pape Gueye struck the winning goal to seal the trophy for the Teranga Lions.
The footage has intensified scrutiny around Thiaw’s actions, with Moroccan media reporting that the Senegal coach could face disciplinary measures, including a possible suspension. While Senegal celebrate continental glory, the images ensure that the dramatic walk-out and Hakimi’s visible reaction remain a central talking point in one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.
