King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed a profound and moving message to the Moroccan people following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, whose final match between Morocco and Senegal was marred by dramatic events. In an official statement issued by the Royal Palace, the King affirmed that the unfortunate incidents that occurred in the final minutes of the match would not weaken the Kingdom's resolve to maintain the bonds of brotherhood and historical ties between African nations. He emphasized that the Moroccan people, known for their awareness and wisdom, would not succumb to feelings of resentment or calls for division.
A royal message: wisdom prevails over emotion
The statement issued by the Royal Court provided a clear explanation of the Kingdom's official position, stating: "While this major continental football event hosted by the Kingdom was marred by the unfortunate events that occurred in the final minutes of the match between the Moroccan and Senegalese teams, during which some disgraceful incidents and behaviors took place, once the emotions subside, the bonds of African brotherhood will naturally prevail." The statement emphasized that the organizational success achieved by Morocco is, in essence, a success for the entire African continent, not just for Morocco alone.
In his message, King Mohammed VI added: “Morocco will remain proud to have hosted a month of popular joy and sporting enthusiasm, thereby contributing to the radiance of Africa and football on the continent,” stressing that the Kingdom “was and will remain a great African country faithful to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and respect that it has always shown towards its continent.”.
Match context and on-field tension
This royal intervention comes to calm tensions following a tumultuous final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, in which Senegal clinched the title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time. The match was marred by unprecedented chaos in its final minutes, culminating in a brief walkout by the Senegalese players in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco. They later returned to complete the match, which ended with their victory, leaving behind a palpable sense of public discontent.
Morocco and the leadership of African sports
It is worth noting that Morocco's hosting of the 2025 edition comes as the culmination of a long journey of investment in sports infrastructure, and as confirmation of the position that the Kingdom has come to occupy as a destination for global sports, especially after the historic achievement of the Moroccan national team in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Observers view Morocco's success in organizing this tournament, despite the events of the final, as a real rehearsal and serious preparation for hosting the 2030 World Cup in the joint bid with Spain and Portugal, which enhances international confidence in the Kingdom's organizational capabilities.
Historical relationships that go beyond 90 minutes
In the context of diplomatic relations, the royal statement emphasized that “hostile schemes will never achieve their goals,” a clear reference to the depth of the strategic and spiritual ties that bind Morocco to Senegal and to African nations in general. Rabat and Dakar share deep-rooted historical bonds that transcend fleeting sporting rivalries, with Senegal being a traditional ally and a key economic partner for Morocco in West Africa. The King affirmed that “nothing can undermine the closeness woven over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation existing between the various countries of the continent.”.
The Moroccan monarch concluded his statement by congratulating all citizens and authorities on their tremendous efforts in making this football tournament a success, reaffirming Morocco’s firm commitment to serving the causes of the African continent and working for its unity and prosperity, far removed from the narrow calculations that may arise from football competitions.
