Breaking: Morocco Awarded 2025 AFCON Title After CAF Overturns Controversial Final Result Against Senegal

Morocco have officially been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the original result of the final against Senegal.

The final, played on 18 January, initially ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal after extra time. However, the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco while the score was still goalless.

CAF’s disciplinary and appeals bodies later ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of tournament regulations. Under Article 82 of the AFCON rules, any team that refuses to continue play or leaves the field without the referee’s approval is deemed to have forfeited the match. Article 84 further stipulates that such a violation results in a 3-0 loss.

Following these provisions, CAF declared Senegal to have forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the continental title.

The decision came after a formal appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which emphasised that its intention was not to dispute the match outcome on sporting grounds, but to ensure that tournament regulations were properly enforced.

In a statement, the Moroccan federation reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for the rules governing African football competitions, while also commending all participating nations for their contributions to the tournament.

Controversial Ending to the Final

Tensions escalated in stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) over a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

The decision came moments after Senegal had a goal ruled out, prompting strong protest from the team. Head coach Pape Thiaw subsequently instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest.

Despite attempts by captain Sadio Mane to persuade his teammates to continue, play was halted for approximately 17 minutes before the team eventually returned.

When the match resumed, Diaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal later scored the winning goal through Pape Gueye in extra time, seemingly securing their second AFCON title in five years.

Fallout and Reactions

CAF’s ruling has effectively nullified that result, sparking strong backlash from the Senegalese Football Federation. The federation described the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” and confirmed plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Football analyst Maher Mezahi noted that while the ruling changes the official outcome, it cannot erase the emotional reality of the match, where Senegal celebrated victory on the pitch.

The incident also drew global attention, with Gianni Infantino condemning the scenes as “unacceptable” for African football.

Morocco’s head coach at the time, Walid Regragui, criticised Senegal’s conduct, describing it as damaging to the image of the game on the continent.

A Historic but Contested Outcome

The decision marks one of the most controversial conclusions in AFCON history, raising fresh debates about discipline, officiating, and the enforcement of football regulations in Africa.

While Morocco now officially hold the title, the events of the final continue to generate intense discussion across the football world.