The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be remembered for great football all round, but also for the controversial moment in the final between hosts Morocco and eventual winners, Senegal.

In Sunday’s decider in Rabat, Morocco was awarded a last-minute penalty, and in protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw urged his players to leave the field.

Sanity prevailed, however, when the Lions of Teranga took to the field again, with Morocco star Brahim Diaz stepping up to take the spot kick, which was saved by Eduard Mendy, forcing the game into extra time.

Senegal went on to claim the trophy and the $10 million on offer for the champions.

Thiaw has since apologized for the incident, pointing out the walk-off was in the heat of the moment.

“I didn’t appreciate at all (the penalty decision), that I told my players to leave the field. I apologize for football. After reflection, I had them come back,” said Thiaw.

“Sometimes, you can react in the heat of the moment. But we accept the referee’s mistakes. We offer our apologies to football.”

The match was handled by DR Congo official Jean-Jacques Ndala, but in his defence, the penalty was awarded after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Meanwhile, Morocco mentor Walid Regragui said the incident was “shameful,” to say the least.

“The image we gave of Africa today is a bit shameful. When a coach asks his players to leave the pitch,” said Regragui.

“What Pape Thiaw did tonight does not honour Africa. It’s not classy, but it’s not a big deal.

“He’s an African champion, so he has the right to say whatever he wants.”