AFCON 2025: Morocco's Coach Contests Senegal's Victory in Dramatic Final

In the AFCON 2025 final, head coach Eric Chelle claimed that Morocco should have been crowned champions despite Senegal winning in a dramatic final against the host nation on January 18, 2026. The match was interrupted for 17 minutes due to protests by Senegal's Pape Thiaw against a penalty awarded to Morocco.

Senegal's Pape Gueye scored in extra time, leading to their second continental crown. Thiaw's protest resulted in a five-match ban and a fine.

Senegal's Sadio Mane intervened to ensure the completion of the match. Chelle referenced the rule of the Royal Moroccan Federation and criticized the penalty attempt as disrespectful.

The match also saw incidents involving players like Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, and Achraf Hakimi being punished. Chelle's comments highlighted the disruption caused and the desire for fair play.