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Rabat – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed deep gratitude to Morocco for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and warmly welcoming the Senegalese national team.
“On behalf of the Senegalese people, I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the brotherly people of Morocco for their hospitality, care, and attention toward our delegation and all teams involved,” President Faye said during a reception for the Lions of Teranga at the presidential palace in Dakar on Tuesday.
His comments came after Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the AFCON final in Rabat on Sunday, securing their second continental title. Faye lauded Morocco’s team for their “remarkable journey” through the tournament and highlighted the “spirit of fair play” between the two countries. He echoed joint calls made by both governments in the days before the final to make the match a “celebration of fraternity” beyond just football.
The president’s words come at time when there continues to be tension and controversy between Moroccan and Senegalese fans, as the closing moments of the final were anything but peaceful. Deep into stoppage time, a late penalty was awarded to the host nation Morocco following a VAR review, a decision that Senegal’s players and coaching staff strongly protested.
Frustrated with the call and an earlier disallowed goal, Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch in protest, sparking shock and confusion at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat.
For nearly 15 minutes the game was halted as players walked toward the tunnel, and tensions flared among Senegalese fans in the stands, with some trying to enter the field. Security forces and stewards struggled to contain the situation as some fans attacked staff and hit them with chairs.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané eventually convinced his teammates to return, and play resumed. Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz missed his pannenka penalty to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, pushing the match into extra time. In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal.
The chaotic end to the final has drawn strong reactions from football authorities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the scenes on and off the field, saying that walking off and violent behavior are “unacceptable” in football. He stressed that respecting the officials and the rules of the game is essential for the sport’s integrity.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it is reviewing the incidents and could start disciplinary proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to pursue legal action over Senegal’s walk-off, arguing it affected the normal progress of the match.
