RABAT, Morocco – In a night that will be remembered as much for its chaotic diplomacy as its football, Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco. However, the “Lions of Teranga” nearly lost it all before the final whistle even blew.
The 2025 AFCON final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was seconds away from a historic abandonment when captain Sadio Mané intervened to prevent a team walk-off that would have triggered catastrophic sanctions for Senegalese football.
The Flashpoint: A Final on the Edge
The tension reached a breaking point in the 98th minute of regulation time. With the score locked at 0–0, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco following a VAR review for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz.
Outraged by what they perceived as inconsistent officiating—citing a disallowed Senegal goal just minutes earlier for a debatable foul—head coach Pape Thiaw and the technical staff instructed the players to leave the pitch. For nearly 16 minutes, the final teetered on the verge of collapse.
Mané’s Moment of Truth
While the squad moved toward the tunnel, Sadio Mané remained on the touchline, eventually entering the dressing room to urge his teammates back. Sources close to the team suggest Mané reminded the squad of the severe CAF consequences, including a potential two-edition ban from future tournaments (2027 and 2032) and a hefty fine.
“I think it would be crazy to not play this game because the referee gave a penalty,” Mané said after the match. “I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I’d rather lose than have this kind of thing happen to our football. Africa today does not deserve that.”
From Chaos to Celebration
When play finally resumed, the psychological tide had turned. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz attempted an audacious “Panenka” penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stood his ground, catching the ball with ease.
The miss galvanized the Senegalese side. In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, silencing the home crowd of 66,000 and securing the championship.
Potential Sanctions Avoided
Had the walk-off been permanent, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) would have faced the following under CAF regulations:
| Penalty Type | Details of Potential Action |
| Match Result | Automatic 3–0 forfeit loss. |
| Financial | Fine ranging from €50,000 to €100,000. |
| Future Bans | Potential exclusion from AFCON 2027 and 2032. |
| Individual | Extended suspensions for Coach Pape Thiaw and key staff. |
“Sadio was a true leader tonight,” said former Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi. “He saved the image of African football. To have the composure to think of the big picture while your heart is racing in a final is what defines a great captain.”
While CAF is still expected to review the temporary disruption, Mané’s intervention ensured that Senegal’s “Golden Generation” remains at the summit of the continent rather than in the shadows of a disciplinary tribunal.