Senegal win AFCON final amid VAR row and walkoutsCEFR A2
26 Jan 2026
Adapted from Adesewa Olofinko, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Victor Rutka, Unsplash
The AFCON 2025 final in Rabat ended 1-0 to Senegal after a dramatic finish. A late VAR review in stoppage time led to a penalty for Morocco, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the kick.
Senegal players protested and briefly left the pitch, and the game went to extra time, when Pape Gueye scored the winner. After the match, there were protests and some journalists left a press conference when Senegal’s coach arrived. Teams had already complained about crowd safety and their treatment in Morocco during the tournament.
Difficult words
- final — the last game of a competition
- stoppage time — time added at the end of a match
- penalty — a kick awarded after a foul in the area
- save — to stop the ball from entering the goalsaved
- extra time — extra playing time after a draw
- press conference — a meeting where journalists ask questions
- protest — to show strong disagreement or complaintprotested, protests
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would you feel if your team missed a late penalty? Why?
- Do you agree with players leaving the pitch to protest? Explain briefly.
- Why is crowd safety important at sports matches?
Related articles
Political change and trials after the July 2024 uprising
A student-led uprising in July 2024 led to the removal of the prime minister in August and a ban on the Awami League in May 2025. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was sentenced in November 2025 and later spoke from Kolkata.
Indonesia tightens rules for digital platforms
Indonesia is increasing regulation of global digital platforms to curb misinformation and protect public safety. Officials inspected a major company's office, require platform registration, and use takedown systems, which has drawn criticism over unclear rules and rights.
Iran's water emergency worsens amid heat and outages
A summer heatwave and widespread power outages have intensified Iran’s water emergency. Officials report sharply falling dam reserves, groundwater depletion and possible summer rationing as authorities warn of harder measures to save energy and water.
