Former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits midfielder Michael Morton has expressed shock at the dramatic and controversial scenes that overshadowed Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to secure their second AFCON title. However, the triumph was nearly eclipsed by a series of disputed VAR decisions, unsporting behaviour from Moroccan players, and a brief walk-off by Senegal in protest.

Morton, speaking on his YouTube channel, described the situation as dangerously close to spiralling out of control.

“That was almost catastrophic for African football,” he said. “After what was a really good final, we almost had Senegal walking off in the AFCON final.”

According to Morton, the tension had been building long before kickoff. He revealed that Senegal declined to train at a Moroccan facility over fears their tactics could be observed and complained of poor security arrangements upon arrival in Rabat.

“When Senegal arrived, there was no security. Players were pushing through crowds themselves,” Morton explained.

“The preparation and build-up already created frustration. Ticketing issues, logistics — a lot of things were going wrong.”

The controversy intensified during the match, with several videos later surfacing online showing what Morton described as “dirty tactics” from Moroccan players.

One clip showed Ismael Saibari attempting to steal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s towel from behind the goal — a vital piece of equipment used to dry gloves and the ball.

A Senegal player was seen guarding the towel as Mendy sprinted toward the goal line, while Saibari appeared to block access in a bizarre confrontation.

In another incident, Achraf Hakimi was caught on camera throwing Mendy’s towel over the advertising boards during a stoppage, seemingly hoping it would go unnoticed. Moments later, El Hadji Malick Diouf leapt over the boards to retrieve it for Senegal.

Perhaps most shocking was footage showing Senegal players being physically dragged away by Moroccan ball boys while attempting to protect the towels.

Despite the chaos, Senegal regrouped, returned to the pitch, and ultimately prevailed through Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner, sealing a hard-fought and emotionally charged AFCON triumph.