Emotions boiled over at the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final as Morocco head coach Walid Regragui became embroiled in a heated confrontation with journalists during a chaotic post-match press conference in Rabat.
Moments after Morocco’s narrow defeat to Senegal, several Moroccan reporters openly called on Regragui to resign, questioning his leadership and decisions following another missed opportunity to end the nation’s long wait for a continental title. The Atlas Lions coach reacted angrily, interrupting questions and demanding to know which media organisations the journalists represented, as the atmosphere in the room rapidly deteriorated.
The situation escalated further when one reporter emotionally blamed Regragui for children crying in the stands, a remark that visibly inflamed tensions. Raised voices and sharp exchanges followed, turning what should have been a routine media briefing into a volatile scene reflecting the disappointment and frustration felt across the host nation.
Amid the unrest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw entered the press room holding a young girl by the hand. His appearance immediately divided the room: Senegalese journalists rose to applaud him, while sections of the Moroccan media booed loudly. The opposing reactions sparked arguments between journalists, with shouting and physical jostling breaking out among members of the press.
With order impossible to restore, Thiaw turned around and left the room without addressing the media, bringing the press conference to an abrupt end.
The scenes in the media centre mirrored the drama that unfolded earlier on the pitch. The final had been marred by controversy after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly walk off the field in protest. Although the penalty was missed, the incident heightened tensions and set the tone for an explosive conclusion, with Senegal eventually securing victory in extra time.
The disorder has drawn criticism from observers and prompted calls for professionalism and restraint from all parties involved. Confederation of African Football officials are expected to review reports relating to post-match conduct, adding to ongoing discussions surrounding officiating and match control during the tournament.
What should have been a celebration of African football instead ended with lingering bitterness, leaving the 2025 AFCON final remembered as much for its controversy and chaos as for the football itself.
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