Morocco will pursue legal action over the outcome of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, where opponents Senegal walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded against them but later returned to win the match.

Morocco were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Senegal in the decider in Rabat, but the hosts had a chance to win the trophy with a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time.

Senegalese players stormed off in protest after a VAR decision to hand Morocco a spot kick for a tug on the shoulder of striker Brahim Diaz, who then squandered the kick after having to wait some 14 minutes before the Senegal side returned.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts,” a statement said.

“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added.

It is unclear what Morocco wants to achieve with their complaint, other than being seen to formally remonstrate over the outcome of the match.

Earlier on Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after the chaotic scenes, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

CAF said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

-Reuters

CAF Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco 2025 – Final – Senegal v Morocco – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco – January 18, 2026 Senegal fans react in the stand after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.

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Morocco’s Brahim Diaz has apologised for his Panenka penalty miss that cost his country the Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, saying his “soul hurts” and he took responsibility for the 1-0 defeat by Senegal in the decider in Rabat.

Morocco were awarded a spot-kick in the 98th minute after Diaz was hauled to the ground by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, an incident that sparked ugly scenes in the stands and on the pitch.

It followed five minutes after a disallowed goal at the other end and the decision, made on Video Assistant Referee review, resulted in some Senegal players leaving the pitch in protest, encouraged by their coach Pape Bouna Thiaw.

It took over 14 minutes for calm to be restored and the game to resume, only for Diaz to inexplicably attempt a weak chipped penalty that was easily caught by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

It proved one of the last actions before the game went to extra time and Senegal triumphed thanks to Pape Gueye’s superb winner.

“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise with all my heart,” Diaz said via X.

“It will be hard for me to recover because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for all who believed in me and for all who suffered with me.

“I will keep going until someday I can give back all this love and be a pride for my Moroccan people.”

Diaz, 26, plays for Real Madrid having been born in Malaga and also won a cap for Spain before switching allegiances to Morocco in 2024.

He finished as the leading scorer in the 2025 Cup of Nations after netting a goal in each of Morocco’s first five games at the tournament.

Morocco’s 50-year wait for the continental title will continue at least until the 2027 tournament.

Named after Czech footballer Antonin Panenka, the style of spot-kick is one where the player gently chips the ball into the centre of the goal rather than powerfully to either side, hoping the keeper will commit to diving.

-Reuters

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On the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Prince Moulay Rachid, on Monday, received the members of the Moroccan national football team, finalists of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat.

The Prince was welcomed by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Head Coach of the national team, Walid Regragui, and the Atlas Lions players and officials, before posing for a commemorative photograph to mark the occasion.

The royal reception underscored the High Benevolence with which the King has consistently surrounded Moroccan youth, and his firm commitment to their development through sport. It also highlighted the special importance the Sovereign attaches to football as a strategic sector for national progress and international influence.

Shortly after the AFCON final against Senegal, His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a message of congratulations to the team, praising their outstanding campaign and exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

In his message, the King noted that the Atlas Lions, through their “distinguished journey at AFCON Morocco 2025,” had demonstrated that “perseverance, seriousness and team spirit are the path to achieving performance,” while presenting “to the world an example of what Moroccan and African youth can achieve when they trust in their talents and abilities.”

The Sovereign further commended the players’ determination and heroic performance, stressing that their achievements validated Morocco’s strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising national infrastructure.

“You have also proven, through the determination and the heroic and honourable performance you displayed, the importance of our strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising the Kingdom’s infrastructure, which has demonstrated its resilience and world-class level of preparedness in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup,” King Mohammed VI said.

Morocco finished as runners-up at AFCON 2025, reinforcing the country’s growing stature as a football powerhouse and a leading sporting destination on the African continent.

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