The behavior of some journalists following Sunday’s chaotic African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal has been condemned by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
Video footage showed Moroccan journalists walking out as victorious Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw walked into the post-match press conference room holding his daughter’s hand.
Arguments and scuffles then broke out between the Moroccan and Senegalese media, which continued before Thiaw walked out.
Senegal defeated the hosts 1-0, but the showpiece was overshadowed by farcical scenes as Thiaw ordered his players off the field in protest at the penalty awarded to Morocco.
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“The AIPS Executive Committee strongly condemns the behavior of colleagues who prevented the smooth running of the press conference after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday,” the organization said in a statement.
“Our association cannot accept that certain colleagues could undermine the dignity of our profession, which is why we have asked our colleagues at AIPS Africa for a detailed report on the incident.”
Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winner in the 94th minute after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz squandered the tournament hosts’ chance to clinch victory by handing out the last-gasp penalty in normal time after a 14-minute delay.
Published on January 20, 2026
