Tensions surrounding the AFCON 2025 final continue to rise, and several Moroccan players have now found themselves at the center of a major controversy. Ismaël Saibari, along with Oussama Targhalline, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Yassine Kechta, sparked outrage among Moroccan fans after “liking” social media posts celebrating Senegal’s victory.
This gesture quickly ignited strong reactions, with many supporters viewing it as a lack of loyalty toward their national team.
The backlash was immediate and intense. Saibari’s social media accounts were flooded with angry comments, while other players involved also faced heavy criticism. Some fans even called for disciplinary action against the players. As the pressure mounted, several of them chose to remove their “likes” in an attempt to calm the situation, but the damage had already been done. The incident highlights the emotional weight of the AFCON final, which remains a highly sensitive topic among supporters.
The controversy comes amid an ongoing dispute over the tournament’s outcome. While the Confederation of African Football officially awarded the title to Morocco, Senegal continues to contest the decision and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Senegalese side has even refused to return the trophy, further fueling tensions. In this already heated context, the players’ actions have only added more fuel to an already explosive situation.