Media behaviour condemned after chaotic Afcon final where Senegal beat hosts Morocco
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Senegal coach Pape Thiaw calls his players to leave the pitch after a penalty is awarded to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, in Rabat on Jan 18, 2026.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – The behaviour of some journalists after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal
Videos showed Moroccan journalists walking out as victorious Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw walked into the post-match press conference room holding the hand of his daughter.
Arguments and scuffles then broke out between the Moroccan and Senegalese media and continued before Thiaw walked out.
Senegal beat the hosts 1-0 after extra time but the showpiece was overshadowed by farcical scenes, as Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest at a penalty being awarded to Morocco.
“The AIPS executive committee strongly condemns the behaviour of colleagues who prevented the post-match press conference of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat from proceeding smoothly on Sunday,” the organisation said in a statement on Jan 20.
“Our association cannot accept that certain colleagues could tarnish the dignity of our profession, hence we have asked our colleagues at AIPS Africa for a detailed report on the incident.”
Midfielder Pape Gueye netted the 94th-minute winner, after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz had squandered the chance to win it for the tournament hosts by fluffing the last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay. REUTERS
