This update focuses on Walid Regragui AFCON 2025. Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, still closely followed by Moroccan fans abroad, has spoken out bluntly about the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat, arguing that Pape Thiaw’s decision on the Senegal bench left African football with a damaging image.
Walid Regragui AFCON 2025: a final that still raises questions
Now working as a pundit for Canal+, Walid Regragui appeared on Canal Football Club on Sunday to analyse the AFCON 2025 final. Morocco were officially crowned champions off the pitch after a series of incidents in the game against Senegal.
According to Regragui, the attitude of the Senegal staff and several players summed up the criticisms often levelled at African football. The collective walk-off ordered by Pape Thiaw, in protest at a penalty given to Morocco, completely changed the tone of the match.
He recalled that Senegal’s players left the field for several minutes while the game was still live. In his view, a strict application of the rules could have brought even heavier sanctions, including extra red cards.
A decision that “stains” African football
The former Morocco coach did not hide his disappointment at Pape Thiaw’s reaction. He believes that the choice to pull the team off the pitch in a continental final “stains African football” and spoils the occasion for supporters.
Regragui also criticised the now-viral scene of a Senegal player filming in the dressing room and posting on social media during the interruption. He described it as a “shame”, something he said had never been seen at this level of competition.
For him, this AFCON 2025 final will endure as a negative example of what needs to be avoided if Africa wants to strengthen the credibility of its tournaments, at a time when the continent is gaining visibility among international audiences.
A Moroccan title awarded off the pitch, pending CAS outcome
The AFCON 2025 title was awarded to Morocco administratively, after the incidents were reviewed. Walid Regragui admitted that such an outcome inevitably leaves a bitter aftertaste.
He stressed that every player dreams of lifting the trophy on the pitch, in front of home fans, rather than discovering victory through an official decision. He regrets that this historic success for the Atlas Lions is tied to procedures instead of a traditional final whistle.
The story is not completely over. Senegal’s football federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A hearing is scheduled for 8 October, and both federations must wait for the ruling.
Regragui underlined that this decision will have to be accepted “by both sides”, insisting on the need to protect African football’s reputation.
For Moroccans abroad, pride mixed with frustration
The Rabat final was followed live by thousands of Moroccans living abroad, from Europe to North America and the Gulf. For them, the Atlas Lions’ continental title remains a powerful source of pride and connection with home.
Yet the controversy surrounding the match and Pape Thiaw’s decision has clouded what should have been a pure moment of joy. By highlighting these excesses, Walid Regragui AFCON 2025 comments reopen the debate on refereeing, respect for the rules and the image of African football in the eyes of fans and investors increasingly looking towards the continent’s competitions.
A call to protect African football’s image
Beyond this single final, Regragui’s message is about the future of the game in Africa. For him, officials, coaches and players share the same responsibility.
- Strict respect for the laws of the game
- Measured reactions to refereeing decisions
- Responsible use of social media during matches
- Protection of the image of continental tournaments
These issues are closely watched by Moroccans abroad, who care deeply about their country’s sporting reputation. Football remains a strong emotional link with Morocco, and AFCON 2025 is a reminder that every gesture and every decision can shape how the Kingdom and the continent are perceived worldwide.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.
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