When football meets drama: The most controversial moments of AFCON 2025

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) produced some of the most captivating football in the tournament’s history, but it may ultimately be remembered more for its controversies, which repeatedly overshadowed the action and cast a shadow over the spectacle

AFCON continues to battle for respect on the global football calendar, often dismissed despite its stature and significance. While external pressures persist, the continent has at times done itself no favours, with avoidable incidents and questionable conduct undermining what should be a celebration of African football.

Senegal ultimately emerged victorious, clinching their second AFCON title with an emphatic win over hosts Morocco in a pulsating final that delivered drama both on and off the pitch. It marked a second crown in three years for the Lions of Teranga, following their historic maiden triumph in the 2021 edition.

While the result will be etched into the record books, the moments surrounding the tournament — particularly the final — are unlikely to fade anytime soon. With controversy a recurring theme, we look back at some of the most talked-about incidents from the recently concluded tournament.

The famous Senegal walk-off

It has become an unfortunate trend that encounters involving North African teams, whether at club or international level, often spark debate around officiating standards and sportsmanship.

Those concerns resurfaced throughout the tournament, but reached a boiling point during Senegal’s clash with hosts Morocco. After having a late goal disallowed and feeling aggrieved by a penalty decision, Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest — an unprecedented moment that stunned spectators.

Although they later returned to complete the match, the incident opened a can of worms, shifting attention away from their footballing achievement and instead igniting widespread debate over their actions.

Travel and logistical concerns

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos publicly raised concerns over tournament logistics in Morocco, highlighting a 45-minute commute from his team’s Rabat hotel to training facilities. He also questioned the fairness of being housed within the Moroccan national team’s complex, suggesting it disrupted preparation.

CAF responded by stating that accommodation details were communicated well in advance and that objections should have been raised earlier. Broos’ continued criticism sparked debate and drew backlash from Moroccan supporters, underlining growing tensions around planning and logistics during the tournament.

The hunt for the towel

Blinding lights aimed at opposing players have become a norm in African football, often used as a distraction during key moments. However, AFCON 2025 produced an even stranger spectacle.

Images circulated of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy retreating in anticipation of a shot, while behind him substitute keeper Yehvann Diouf wrestled with ball boys and substitutes to prevent Mendy’s drying towel from being removed. It was a scene that epitomised the “win at all costs” mentality — but one that crossed into unsavoury territory.

Samuel Eto’o’s outburst

Cameroon football icon and federation president Samuel Eto’o was handed a four-match stadium ban and fined heavily following an emotional outburst during Cameroon’s AFCON encounter with Morocco.

Frustrated by contentious refereeing decisions — compounded by wider officiating concerns throughout the tournament, including the late replacement of an Egyptian referee and VAR official — Eto’o reportedly confronted CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan FA boss Fouzi Lekjaa in the VIP area.

The incident further fuelled criticism of tournament governance and refereeing consistency.

Senegal’s turbulent road to the final

Even before the final kicked off, Senegal’s journey was marred by reported difficulties. The champions raised concerns over inadequate security on arrival, substandard accommodation, confusion around training facilities and a limited allocation of tickets for their supporters.

Those issues may have contributed to the heightened tension that spilled onto the pitch, adding another layer of drama to an already combustible tournament.