Senegal fans fight stewards with chairs during AFCON 2025 final [watch]

Violent scenes overshadowed the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final as clashes between Senegal supporters and stadium stewards forced riot police intervention in Rabat.

The disorder erupted late in normal time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time, sparking chaos both on and off the pitch.

Controversial penalty triggers chaos

Tempers flared when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala penalised Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf for pulling down Brahim Diaz in the penalty area, following a VAR review.

The decision came shortly after Senegal had a goal ruled out, further inflaming tensions.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted by ordering his players off the pitch in protest.

Several players were seen heading down the tunnel, while others gathered on the touchline as the match was halted for an extended period. Stoppage time eventually stretched to 24 minutes.

After a delay of more than 15 minutes, the teams returned to the field and Diaz stepped up to take the penalty. The Morocco forward attempted a panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved comfortably, sending the final into extra time.

🇸🇳🇲🇦 Senegal fans Vandalize and invade pitch, Coach walks his PLayers off after VAR call vs Morocco in the final

… Omo everywhere dun catch fire 😳#afcon #afcon2025 pic.twitter.com/2ejbR7FBxP

— Football Fans Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) January 18, 2026

Violence in the stands escalates

While players and officials argued on the pitch, serious disturbances broke out in the stands. Footage circulating on social media showed Senegal fans clashing with stewards, with chairs used as weapons as the violence spilled towards the pitch.

Security forces struggled to contain the situation initially before riot police were deployed and positioned in front of the affected section of the stadium. Order was eventually restored, allowing the match to continue.

Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, speaking on E4’s live coverage, condemned the scenes.

“For African football, this is a shameful end to this tournament,” he said. “I can understand their frustration, but walking off the pitch is not what I want to see.”

Senegal prevail despite turmoil

Amid the turmoil, Senegal regrouped in extra time and struck the decisive blow four minutes into the additional period.

Pape Gueye surged forward and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew past Yassine Bounou and in off the underside of the crossbar.

Morocco pushed for an equaliser, hitting the woodwork through Nayef Aguerd, while Bounou later denied Cherif Ndiaye with a double save. However, Senegal held firm to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory.

The win handed the Teranga Lions their second AFCON title in three editions, while Morocco were left to reflect on a final defined as much by controversy and crowd disorder as by the football itself.