FIFA president Infantino condemns AFCON final chaos 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the chaotic scenes that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, describing the conduct of some Senegalese players and officials as “unacceptable” following protests over a late penalty awarded to hosts Morocco.

In a strongly worded statement, Infantino said football’s world governing body would not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the game.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said, reacting to scenes in which several Senegal players appeared to walk off the pitch in protest.

Despite the controversy, Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Morocco 1–0 in a pulsating, ill-tempered final that will be remembered as much for its drama as for the football.

Played in front of a vociferous home crowd at the Rabat Stadium, the final delivered high tension from the opening whistle. Senegal, however, quickly imposed themselves, dominating possession and dictating the rhythm of the game against a Moroccan side buoyed by home support but largely forced onto the back foot.

The Teranga Lions’ superiority in midfield was evident, yet clear chances were hard to come by as both teams defended with discipline in a fiercely contested first half that ended goalless.

After the interval, the tempo rose sharply. Senegal pressed with greater urgency, pinning Morocco deeper and probing relentlessly for an opening. Their breakthrough appeared to arrive in the dying minutes of regulation time when the ball found the back of the net, only for the referee to chalk off the goal for a foul in the build-up, sparking outrage among Senegalese players and fans.

The disallowed goal proved to be a prelude to an even more dramatic finale. Deep into stoppage time, the referee pointed to the spot for Morocco, awarding a penalty that sent shockwaves through the stadium. Senegalese players surrounded the official in protest, with some visibly incensed and briefly heading towards the tunnel in scenes that drew widespread criticism.

As tempers flared, Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to snatch the title. Brahim Díaz stepped up amid deafening noise, but the moment proved too big. His weakly struck penalty was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, whose calm intervention swung the momentum decisively.

The miss appeared to deflate the hosts, while Senegal regrouped and emerged for extra time with renewed belief. Just minutes into the additional period, Pap Gueye delivered the decisive moment, firing a precise shot past the Moroccan goalkeeper to finally break the deadlock.

From there, Senegal showed maturity and resilience, soaking up late pressure and managing the closing stages with composure. When the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted among the Senegalese players and staff, sealing a second AFCON title and another landmark achievement for the West African giants.