Reactions Pour In After Dramatic AFCON Final Chaos

Reactions Pour In After Dramatic AFCON Final Chaos

By Wanjiru Esther

Rabat, Morocco The aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations final has dominated headlines, with reactions pouring in from football’s top officials, players and coaches after a dramatic and controversial climax to the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among the first to address the incidents that unfolded in the final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. Infantino condemned the behaviour of players and staff who temporarily walked off the pitch in protest against a late refereeing decision, calling the scenes “unacceptable” and urging respect for officials and the integrity of the sport. He stressed that both on-field conduct and crowd unrest must not be repeated in future competitions. CAF  the Confederation of African Football also expressed strong disapproval, announcing that disciplinary proceedings will follow to address misconduct by teams and officials during the match.

The match’s defining moment, a controversial late penalty decision followed by an extended delay and eventual extra-time winner by Senegal, sparked intense emotional responses. Brahim Díaz, Morocco’s forward and tournament top scorer, issued a heartfelt and highly-publicised apology after his penalty attempt a Panenka-style chip  was saved, a miss that proved pivotal in the final outcome. Díaz expressed deep remorse, saying the defeat was painful and that “my soul hurts,” while taking full responsibility for the moment and pledging to work harder for Moroccan supporters.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, also offered an apology, acknowledging that the decision to protest on the field was made in the heat of the moment and should not have overshadowed the occasion. He said the team accepts the referee’s decisions and apologises to the broader football community for how events transpired.

Within the Senegal camp, veteran player Sadio Mané played a key role in calming tensions and encouraging his teammates to return to play, emphasising that abandoning the match would have reflected negatively on African football. Mané’s intervention is credited with preventing a full walk-out that could have had more severe consequences.

Morocco’s head coach also voiced frustration, describing the walk-off as a “shameful” image for the sport, and defending Díaz’s attempt, suggesting that the delay may have disrupted his rhythm. Other Moroccan officials have indicated they will pursue official complaints with CAF and FIFA over how events unfolded.

The reactions reflect a tournament finale that will be remembered as much for its emotional intensity and controversy as for its football. As disciplinary reviews and official statements continue, African football now grapples with questions about officiating standards, respect for match authorities and how to balance passion with professionalism on the continent’s biggest stage.