Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.

Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.

Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.

Hours after the final, social media in both countries was under the spell of tension.

The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behaviour,” the king said in a palace statement.

“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter‑African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.

“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.

The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.

-Reuters

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Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said his decision to order a walk-off by his players in Sunday’s combustible Africa Cup of Nations final was driven by emotion and a feeling of injustice.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Thiaw attempted to explain his actions, which have been widely condemned and for which he faces a possible sanction.

Senegal staged a lengthy protest after a penalty was awarded in the dying stages of Sunday’s game to hosts Morocco after a VAR review, walking off the pitch before returning to continue.

Morocco squandered the penalty, taking the match to extra time where Senegal scored to win 1-0 and claim a second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions.

“We experienced an exceptional tournament with magnificent organisation, which unfortunately ended in tragedy,” wrote the Senegalese coach.

“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game that I love so much.”

“I simply tried to protect my players from injustice. What some will see as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation,” he continued.

“After discussions, we decided to resume the match and go for the trophy for you (Senegalese supporters). I apologise if I offended anyone, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.”

Senegal has been celebrating the win since the team arrived back in Dakar on Monday, with the 44-year-old Thiaw, who is a former international, paying tribute to his squad, who were all rewarded with bonuses of more than $130,000 as well as plots of coastal land for their efforts.

“My guys, these 28 warriors who gave sweat, blood, and soul for their nation,” the coach added.

“It’s a pleasure to lead you because, beyond being legends, you are exceptional people!”

A decision on possible sanctions for Senegal from the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary committee is expected in the coming days.

-Reuters

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was never designed for the faint-hearted. From the opening whistle to the final seconds of the championship match, the tournament unfolded as a relentless exhibition of intensity, tactical discipline and elite athleticism.

According to statistics released by CAFOnline, AFCON 2025 was a competition defined by fine margins, unyielding duels and performances that underlined the growing maturity of African football on the global stage.

At the summit stood Senegal, crowned champions after a campaign marked by authority and control. The Teranga Lions blended efficiency with resilience, navigating the tournament with a champion’s composure.

Morocco, beaten finalists, reinforced their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and tactically refined sides, while Nigeria, finishing third, emerged as the competition’s most explosive attacking force, dominating several statistical categories.

Together, the trio shaped a demanding and densely contested tournament whose numbers tell a deeper story of a continent’s football evolution.

The Podium

• Champions: Senegal
• Runners-up: Morocco
• Third Place: Nigeria

Individual Brilliance

AFCON 2025 was illuminated by individual excellence. Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament, reflecting his decisive influence throughout the competition. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz finished as Top Scorer with five goals, while compatriot Yassine Bounou claimed Best Goalkeeper honours after keeping five clean sheets.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman stood out creatively, topping the assist charts with four assists to earn the Best Playmaker award. Morocco’s exemplary conduct across the tournament was recognised with the Fair Play Award.

Team Performance Highlights as Nigeria enter limelight

The tournament produced a total of 121 goals, underlining its attacking tempo. Nigeria led the scoring charts with 14 goals, while also recording the highest average possession at 66 per cent and achieving the longest winning streak, five consecutive victories.

Senegal dominated in ball circulation, completing 3,562 passes, winning the most corners (44), and sharing the highest number of clean sheets (five) with Morocco. Morocco and Senegal also led in attacking intent, each registering 108 shots.

Defensively, Morocco, Comoros, DR Congo and Senegal conceded only two goals each, while Mozambique endured the toughest campaign at the back, conceding nine goals. Egypt topped the offside chart with 15 infringements, and Morocco and Mali converted the most penalties, three apiece.

Discipline and Fair Play

Discipline was tightly managed across the competition. A total of 210 yellow cards and nine red cards were shown. Senegal emerged as the most sanctioned team, collecting 17 yellow cards and one red.

Attendance and Atmosphere

The tournament’s biggest crowd gathered at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, where 66,526 spectators witnessed the heavyweight clash between Senegal and Morocco—an encounter befitting the competition’s highest standards.

As reflected in the data published by CAFOnline, AFCON 2025 was not merely a contest for silverware. It was a statement of Africa’s footballing evolution; tactically sharper, physically demanding and increasingly uncompromising. The numbers confirm it: African football is moving forward, and it is doing so at full speed.

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