The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Senegal and Morocco continues to spark intense debates months after its conclusion. Despite the victory of the Lions of Teranga, many Moroccan fans still contest the circumstances surrounding this match, which was marred by incidents and a long interruption. This climate of controversy regularly fuels discussions on social media and in the media, where the question of the “real African champion” remains at the heart of exchanges between the two camps.
The controversy was recently reignited by comments from Younes El Aynaoui. A guest on the show Rothen s’enflamme on RMC, the former Moroccan tennis player reflected on this final that left a lasting impression. Present in the stands during the match, he described it as a particularly difficult evening for both players and spectators. According to him, the events surrounding the match left a bitter memory, despite the significance of the sporting stakes.
“The final was a bit chaotic. We try to forget. Indeed, we were in the stadium,” said the former world number 14.
His remarks recall the very particular context of this match, disrupted by a long interruption and scenes of confusion that fueled criticism across the continent. Images from that evening went viral, leading to numerous reactions regarding the organization and conduct of the event.
When asked about the sporting content of the match, Younes El Aynaoui acknowledged that Morocco had several opportunities to make a difference before ultimately succumbing to Senegal’s efficiency. He stated that the Lions capitalized on crucial moments to take the lead. “If we take away the last ten minutes, Morocco had many chances. They didn’t convert them. Then there was that fantastic goal from the Senegalese player,” he explained, highlighting the realism of the Senegalese team when the opportunity arose.
The former tennis champion also recalled the tense atmosphere that followed Senegal’s opening goal. He mentioned an endless interruption during which players, officials, and fans seemed to lose track of what was happening. “Then there was this never-ending stoppage, players leaving the field, spectators, the violence. Everyone was looking at each other, wondering what was going on,” he recounted. These events remain central to discussions when it comes to this historic final.
🚨 Match day !
🇸🇳 Senegal 🆚 🇳🇴 Norway
After their first match, the Lions of Teranga are ready to fight again with one goal: victory. 🦁🔥
🕗 8:00 PM (New York time)
🕛 12:00 AM (Dakar time)A whole nation behind its Lions. 🇸🇳❤️💛💚… pic.twitter.com/ZBnK4fhWcT
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) June 22, 2026
However, it was mainly the reaction of his son, Neil El Aynaoui, that caught attention. A starter in this final with Morocco, the midfielder reportedly said he doesn’t feel like an African champion despite the remarkable journey of the Atlas Lions. According to his father, this disappointment now serves as extra motivation for the upcoming continental challenges.
“Do you feel like an African champion or not? No. It’s motivation for the next AFCON. They failed in the final and next time, they need to win,” Younes El Aynaoui reported. This statement illustrates the persistent frustration of the Moroccan camp, but also its determination to come back stronger. Meanwhile, Senegal officially retains its title and can lean on this victory to continue writing one of the most beautiful chapters in its football history.
