New revelations have emerged regarding the controversial circumstances surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. According to official documents reviewed by Le Monde, the referee's report does not indicate any forfeit by Senegal, contradicting some circulated reports that suggested otherwise.
During the match held on January 18, which attracted over 66,000 spectators, tensions escalated in the closing minutes following a contentious refereeing decision. After a VAR intervention, referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco due to an incident involving Brahim Diaz and El Hadji Malick Diouf. This decision sparked fierce protests from the Senegalese camp, which was already frustrated by the prior annulment of a goal by Ismaïla Sarr without VAR review. In his report, the referee stated that "at the 97th minute, there was a temporary stoppage in play" due to these protests.
Le Monde, as referenced by Senego, further explained that under the guidance of head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, the Senegalese players returned to the locker rooms. However, there was no mention of an official abandonment or forfeit at any point in the report. Other officials present at the match corroborated the tense atmosphere, with the general coordinator of the final noting "very strong protests," and the match commissioner reporting incidents involving members from both sides. In this context, Sadio Mané played a pivotal role by urging his teammates to return to the field.
After their return, the match faced another disruption, as the security chief requested a temporary halt due to disturbances involving Senegalese fans. These official findings illuminate a confusing situation marked by successive interruptions but do not support the narrative of a Senegalese forfeit.
As reported by senego.com.
