The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, came to an end on Sunday night as Senegal was crowned African champions after beating the host nation, Morocco, in the final.

The encounter ended 1-0 after 120 minutes in favour of the Teranga Lions, thanks to Pape Gueye’s first-half extra-time goal.

Before the Senegal versus Morocco final, Nigeria had defeated Egypt on Saturday to win the AFCON third-place playoff.

Both Nigeria and Egypt lost against Morocco and Senegal, respectively, in the semi-final stage.

In this piece, DAILY POST takes a look at the 2025 AFCON, highlighting the major talking points of the tournament.

Controversial officiating

Refereeing decisions, especially the performances of all the referees that officiated Morocco versus Cameroon AFCON quarter-final tie, Morocco versus Nigeria AFCON semi-final clash, and Morocco versus Senegal AFCON final, need to be reviewed by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, as the matches saw questionable penalties and VAR decisions that left fans and players fuming.

Unsportmanship and Ball boys misbehavior

The issue of towels snatching and raiding must be addressed because during the semi-final tie between Morocco and Nigeria, and the final between Morocco and Senegal, the camera captured officials of the host nation involved in stealing Nigeria goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali’s towel meant to clean his face and also wipe his hand glove due to the rainy weather conditions of Morocco. Similarly, a scenario occurred during Senegal’s final with Morocco, where captain, Achraf Hakimi was captured by camera picking up and throwing Senegal goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy’s towel towards a ball boy behind the goal post.

Also, during the final between Senegal and Morocco, a group of Ball boys attacked Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, as they tried to steal Mendy’s towel from the Nice keeper.

Indiscipline

During the AFCON final on Sunday, Senegal coach, Pape Thiaw, had ordered his players and Senegalese supporters in the Stadium to leave the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco following a foul on Brahim Diaz. His action could have cost Africa a major disgrace in the face of the world, but thanks to the intervention of Senegal forward, Sadio Mane, who had to call his teammates back to the pitch.

Thiaw eventually apologized after the match for his behavior and insisted that he called his players to return to the pitch after realizing he was wrong.

Technological Missteps

The use of laser lights during matches, particularly during Morocco’s match against Comoros and their matches against Nigeria and Senegal in the semi-final and final was worrsiome. Laser lights were seen being pointed at the faces of goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali and Édouard Mendy during the matches, as such distractions raised concerns over maintaining the integrity of the AFCON tournament.

Security concerns

Issues arose around crowd control and safety measures, especially in high-stakes matches between Algeria vs Nigeria in the AFCON quarter-final stage and the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. These situations illuminated the need for improved protocols for future tournaments, as supporters were captured by camera clashing with security officials in the Stadium.

DAILY POST reports that the 2025 AFCON stood out as a vibrant but chaotic showcase of African football.

While the AFCON tournament delivered unforgettable moments and dramatic storylines, the competition also highlighted areas needing improvement, especially in officiating and crowd management in stadiums.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Audu Ojo, the head coach of Dawaki Rangers, gave his view on the 2025 AFCON tournament.

“Officiating was poor. The referee was on the side of the host country,” Ojo said.

“Cameroon and Morocco match was in favour of the host. The host fans were not accommodating. You can see that it was the grace of God that made Senegal win the AFCON.

“But CAF was not fair to other teams. Their intention is for the host country to win it. But God turned their plan to favour Senegal. The security on the pitch was porous, why they kept stealing Stanley Nwabali’s towels. There was serious stealing on the pitch.

“To the extent the fans were fighting each other; generally, the 2025 AFCON was of average quality. That is my take on it,” he said.

Also speaking with DAILY POST, respected Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, who was present at the AFCON tournament in Morocco, also gave his view.

“2025 AFCON was a great tournament with Morocco raising the standards so high,” Fabunmi said.

“Bad officiating almost marred the competition, but this happens due to social media noise.

“Emotions also flared, coupled with Morocco’s desperation to win for first time in 50 years. That made them resort to some kind of desperation, which didn’t augur well with other teams.

“In all, Moroccans are very welcoming and accommodating. It was a fantastic outing both on and off the field. In the end, Africa won,” he stated.