On Sunday night, Senegal etched their name into African football history by clinching their second AFCON trophy in less than five years, having won the previous one in 2021. Led by Sadio Mané, the Lions of Teranga defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic final that will be remembered for both its footballing brilliance and its controversies.

By Tongai Mwenje

The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye struck the winning goal, sending Senegalese fans into wild celebrations. Just minutes earlier, the match had been overshadowed by a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco while the score was still goalless.

In protest against the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and his players, except captain Mané, walked off the pitch, halting the game for nearly fifteen minutes. Eventually, they returned to allow Morocco to take the spot kick. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to face Senegal’s goalkeeper, former Chelsea man Édouard Mendy. Attempting a Panenka, Díaz saw his effort easily saved, setting the stage for Gueye’s late strike that sealed Senegal’s triumph.

The drama did not end on the pitch. When the victorious coach Thiaw arrived for his post-match press conference, smiling, holding a young girl, and waving to foreign journalists who applauded him, the local Moroccan press staged a walkout. Packing up their equipment, they exited the room, leaving behind a scene of confusion and disappointment. The press conference was ultimately cancelled.

This act of protest by Moroccan journalists blurred the line between professional reporting and activism. Journalism is guided by ethics, truth, fairness, independence, and accountability. Walking out rather than questioning the coach directly undermined these principles. If concerns existed, they should have been raised through dialogue, not through symbolic gestures that silenced the exchange of information.

By abandoning their role as impartial observers, the journalists acted more like activists than professionals. Their behaviour cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of African football and highlighted the importance of media ethics in safeguarding the integrity of the profession.

It was, indeed, a sad day for the beautiful game.

Cameroon on Sunday eliminated South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal spot against hosts Morocco at Agdal Medina Stadium.

The AFCON 2025 clash began at a fast, physical pace as both sides traded early momentum. Set pieces and direct play defined the opening exchanges, with Bafana Bafana seeking to impose themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power, and quick transitions.

The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Junior Tchamadeu finished off a well-worked move to beat the South African back line, giving Cameroon a deserved lead heading into halftime. South Africa attempted to respond before the break, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to equalize.

The second half started perfectly for Cameroon. In the 54th minute, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and handing full control of the match to the Lions. With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and exploiting gaps on the counterattack.

South Africa found a late lifeline in the 88th minute when Evidence Maggopa met a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba inside the box to pull one back, making it 2-1 and adding tension to the closing stages.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held firm to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals. Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal, and composed in key moments, the Indomitable Lions sealed a 2-1 victory.

They now face a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco, advancing with confidence while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has provided a staunch defence of Viktor Gyokeres saying he has been “unbelievable” for the team, who wouldn’t be where they are without him.

Gyokeres is currently on a run of eight Premier League games without a goal from open play, after failing to have a shot in the 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

But Rice, who scored two goals in that game, paid tribute to Gyokeres’ work rate and highlighted Arsenal’s second goal of the night as a good example of what the Swedish striker brings.

“It’s tough for him because he’s got two defenders on him all game, so he has to use his strength or whatever he can to help the team.

“With that first goal, without him making that run from Gabi [Martinelli’s] flick and holding it, and setting it to Martin, the goal would not have happened for us to turn the game on its head.

“I see this guy every day. I see his finishing, how hard he hits a ball. When that space arrives for him and the ball’s arriving at his feet to score goals, he will 100 per cent score.

“But defenders in the Premier League want to be able stop Viktor Gyokeres because he’s one of the best strikers in the world – naturally when you play the best players.

“Trust me, he’s doing unbelievable for us. We wouldn’t be where we are without him. So let’s keep trying to feed him and get him on the scoresheet. But if not, the way he’s helping the team is massive.” Skysports