Thierry Henry applauds Morocco’s AFCON 2025 hosting but criticises refereeing standards and Senegal’s walkout in the final against Morocco

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has offered his assessment of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, praising Morocco’s organisation while raising concerns over officiating and the behaviour of the Senegalese team during the final.

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Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, the former French striker commended Morocco’s hosting, noting the quality of infrastructure, stadiums, and hotels.

“In the final, what you saw, the reaction of the Senegalese team wanting to leave the field was wrong. It is not the image you want to give, not only for African football, but for any football,” Henry said.

He acknowledged Senegal’s frustration after believing they had scored, before the awarding of a penalty.

“Some of the players went inside, Mane called them back, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, trying to do a Panenka. The act isn’t what you want to see. It is nice to see Sadio Mane win it. The way they went about it was not right, but it should not define how the tournament was conducted,” he added.

Henry also criticised refereeing standards across the tournament.

“The only thing I would say after watching several AFCON tournaments is that the referees are not at the level of the show. The things that have happened over time are due to officiating mistakes, and I am not blaming the referee; I blame the people who don’t train them to be at the level of football we are watching,” he explained.

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The 2025 AFCON concluded last Sunday, with Senegal lifting the trophy after defeating Morocco in the final, a match that drew attention both for the pitch protest and for the competitive quality of African football showcased throughout the tournament.