Iliman Ndiaye involved in AFCON chaos as Sadio Mane takes action when players hauled off
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AFCON 2025 Final Chaos: Iliman Ndiaye Involved as Sadio Mané Takes Action Amid Player Ejections
In a tense and fiery AFCON 2025 final at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal clashed with host nation Morocco on January 18, 2026, in a match marked by brutal tackles, heated confrontations, and dramatic ejections.[1][2][3]
The showdown pitted Morocco, seeking their first title since 1976, against Senegal, champions from 2021. Morocco advanced by topping Group A, edging Tanzania, beating Cameroon 2-0, and winning on penalties against Nigeria after a 0-0 semifinal draw. Senegal's path included a 1-0 victory over Egypt thanks to a late Sadio Mané goal, showcasing their knockout prowess.[1][2]
From kickoff at 19:00 GMT, the game was a tactical battle of Morocco's controlled build-up and set-piece threats versus Senegal's maturity. Goalkeepers shone early: Morocco's Yassine Bounou with five clean sheets and Senegal's Edouard Mendy chasing a record fifth.[2] But intensity escalated with brutal tackles, as highlighted in match footage—players like Brahim Díaz and Lamin Gassama traded heavy challenges, leading to free kicks and referee interventions.[4]
Chaos peaked when Iliman Ndiaye, the dynamic Senegal forward, became central to a brawl after a reckless challenge. Players were hauled off the pitch amid shoving matches, with Morocco's defense clearing dangerous deliveries. In the melee, Sadio Mané intervened decisively, pulling teammates away and calming tensions to prevent further red cards, earning praise for his leadership.[4][5]
Despite the scoreless start (0-0 at updates), emotion ruled. Morocco coach Walid Regragui urged embracing the pressure, while Senegal's Moussa Niakhaté called finals a "habit." The match headed toward extra time, with VAR officials like Pierre Atcho poised for key calls. Nigeria claimed third via penalties over Egypt, where misses by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush added to the drama.[1][2][3]
This high-stakes final, under floodlights in the 69,500-capacity venue, encapsulated AFCON's passion—full-throttle action on the edge.[3][4]