Morocco Coach Slams 'Shameful' AFCON Final Chaos as Senegal Wins Title in Thrilling Match

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Morocco head coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment and frustration after his team's 1-0 loss to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final. The match was marred by controversy, including a disputed penalty call against Senegal, which sparked a protest from some Senegalese players and fans. The penalty, awarded in the dying minutes of the game, was given after a VAR review, but replays suggested minimal contact between Senegal's Abdoulaye Seck and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi. The drama unfolded in the final minutes of the match, with Senegal's Sadio Mane reportedly motivating his teammates to return to the field after they initially stormed off in protest. The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes due to the chaos, and when play resumed, Senegal's Papa Gueye scored a stunning goal in extra time to seal the title for his team. Regragui acknowledged the cruel nature of football, saying that his team had few chances to win the title and ultimately fell short. The Morocco coach expressed hope that his squad would return stronger and more determined, drawing lessons from their historic run to the final, which marked their first appearance in 22 years. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Regragui emphasized the importance of moving forward and building on the experience gained.