Scenes of chaos at the African Cup final.

In the early hours of January 19th, Morocco and Senegal produced one of the most dramatic matches in the history of the African Cup of Nations.

The final match was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but that did not diminish the intensity, tension, and fierce controversy on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium pitch (Rabat).

The African Cup final reached a breathtaking climax in the final minutes, with all the most tense moments accumulating after the 90 minutes of regular time.

In the third minute of added time, Abdoulaye Seck put the ball into the net against Morocco, but Senegal's goal was disallowed. Referee Jean-Jacques Gambo Ndala determined there was a foul beforehand. This decision immediately sparked controversy on the field.

Less than five minutes later, the referee once again became the center of attention when he pointed to the penalty spot for Morocco, causing utter chaos on the pitch.

Reacting angrily to the referee's successive decisions, Senegal's head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players to leave the field.

Senegalese players collectively called for a walkout, creating a chaotic scene during the final match. The Senegalese coaching staff claimed that the referee's decisions had emotionally damaged their players, making them unable to continue playing.

Meanwhile, Morocco's captain Achraf Hakimi stood stunned on the pitch. Chaos reigned as the final hung in the balance amidst unprecedented tension.

In the stands, the home crowd erupted in a frenzy of excitement, while the Senegalese players, coaching staff, and fans were consumed by rage.

In their anger, many Senegalese fans tried to storm onto the pitch.

Security forces had to intervene immediately to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of the match.

Only after intervention and persuasion from the organizers did the Senegal team return to play. The match was interrupted for nearly 20 minutes before resuming with a penalty kick awarded to Morocco.

From the penalty spot, Brahim Diaz was chosen to take the decisive shot. However, he risked a weak Panenka, thus squandering a golden opportunity for Morocco to seal the final.

No goals were scored in the 90 minutes of regular time, forcing the two teams into a tense extra period. Just four minutes after the break, Senegal made the difference. Pape Gueye appeared at the right moment, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area that left the Moroccan goalkeeper completely helpless, securing the winning goal.

When the final whistle blew, the atmosphere on the pitch split into two opposing halves. Senegal erupted with emotion as they lifted the African trophy for the second time in their last three appearances in this prestigious continental tournament.

Senegalese fans celebrated wildly, and people started pouring into the streets.

Meanwhile, Moroccan fans burst into tears.

The Moroccan players collapsed onto the pitch when they thought they were so close to lifting the championship trophy.

Highlights Senegal 1-0 Morocco: In the early hours of January 19th, Pape Gueye scored the only goal to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Source: https://znews.vn/canh-hon-hoan-o-chung-ket-cup-chau-phi-post1620876.html