The CAN 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal continues to spark heated controversy. The outcome of the match, won by Senegal, is contested by some of the supporters. A specific video sequence, widely shared, is at the heart of the debates.
A controversial action at the end of the match
This concerns the goal awarded to Senegal in overtime and this is what is at the heart of the controversy. On the TV images then the extracts relayed online, Pape Gueye would be offside at the start of the action, but the slow motion broadcast live never clearly shows the official VAR lines. On other videos, captured from the stands, some supporters believe on the contrary that the player is aligned with the Moroccan defense at the time of the pass, which is enough to maintain doubt.
Internet users emphasize another point. A little earlier, VAR was used at length to validate a penalty for Morocco. The decision took several minutes and was explained with detailed images. For the Senegalese action which led to the goal in the 89th, this same treatment was not applied. This lack of transparency is seen as an inconsistency by many observers. And this is what caused the chaos on the pitch in Rabat.
CAF facing controversy
Faced with the protest, CAF published a press release. She condemned the “unacceptable behavior” but did not comment on the arbitration decisions in detail. It also did not broadcast the VAR images concerning the disputed offside.
Former African referees demand more transparency. They want the publication of official reports to calm tensions. For the moment, without official proof of error, the controversy is based on a feeling of injustice.
This controversy has a lasting mark on the history of the CAN, leaving an open debate on the role of technology and communication.
