The closing press conference of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations descended into chaos on Sunday after Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw walked out amid a heated confrontation between Moroccan and Senegalese journalists.
Senegal had earlier stunned hosts Morocco with a 1–0 victory after extra time in Rabat, clinching their second AFCON title in dramatic fashion. The final, however, was anything but smooth.
Tension peaked in the 94th minute when the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty. Thiaw reacted immediately, pulling his players off the pitch in protest, insisting that an earlier Senegal goal had been wrongly disallowed. The decision sparked disorder in the stadium, with fans clashing with officials and police forcibly removing individuals from the stands.
Morocco’s hopes were further dashed when Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, allowing the game to proceed into extra time, where Senegal ultimately sealed victory.
The drama spilled into the post-match press conference. Thiaw entered the room accompanied by his daughter, a moment that should have been symbolic and celebratory. Instead, it triggered jeers from Moroccan journalists, while Senegalese reporters responded with loud applause. What followed was a shouting match between both sides as officials failed to restore calm.
With the atmosphere deteriorating rapidly and order breaking down, Thiaw exited the press room, effectively ending the conference.
The incident capped a turbulent AFCON finale, underlining how raw emotions, controversial officiating, and national pride can quickly turn football celebrations into disorder.
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