Senegal's AFCON win was overshadowed by a late walk-off and fan clashes, prompting CAF review and likely sanctions. Punters should be cautious: expect volatile live markets and possible suspensions affecting team selection — avoid VAR/penalty-dependent bets and monitor squad news before placing in-play or futures wagers.
Senegal secure dramatic AFCON 2025 win after chaotic pitch protest
In a look-like World Cup match, Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in a final that will be remembered as much for controversy as for the result. With the match goalless deep into stoppage time, a VAR review led to a penalty award for Morocco after a challenge on Brahim Diaz. In protest, a number of Senegal players left the field, and crowd trouble flared at the opposite end of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where around 66,526 were in attendance.
Penalty drama, fan clashes and a saved spot-kick
Play was halted for almost 20 minutes as security dealt with fans trying to enter the pitch and clashes broke out. When the match resumed, Diaz took a weak panenka that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The teams went to extra time, where Pape Gueye struck in the fourth minute to give Senegal a 1-0 victory, sparking wild celebrations from the visitors and stunned silence from the home crowd.
Leadership, confusion and apologies
Senegal captain Sadio Mané remained on the pitch and urged teammates to return for the penalty, while coach Pape Thiaw later admitted he had erred in instructing players to leave and issued an apology. Gueye explained the group left because they felt a previously disallowed goal should have stood. FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of some players and supporters, calling the scenes "unacceptable" and warning that respect for match officials is paramount.
Confederation response and potential sanctions
The Confederation of African Football confirmed it is reviewing footage and will refer the matter to competent disciplinary bodies. Officials have stressed that violence has no place in the game and that appropriate measures will follow for those found guilty. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui lamented the damage done to African football’s image by the stoppage and the global exposure of the incident.
What this means for future tournaments
The incident raises questions about crowd control, matchday security and team discipline ahead of other major events. Organizers and federations may tighten sanctions and match protocols, and teams could face fines, suspensions, or stadium sanctions depending on the disciplinary outcome.
Implications for bettors and betting markets
Punters should exercise caution: live and VAR-sensitive markets become riskier when officiating disputes or potential sanctions are in play. Futures and outright markets could shift if key players receive suspensions. Recommended approach: monitor official disciplinary updates and squad lists before placing in-play or long-term bets, avoid markets dependent on penalties or referee decisions until clarity emerges, and consider hedging if unexpected suspensions affect team strength.
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned “unacceptable scenes” during the AFCON final on Monday, calling out certain players and some of the Senegalese staff who left the field for several minutes in the middle of the match. Senegal won the match against Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
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