The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has declared Morocco’s national football team winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic ruling. The decision overturned Senegal national football team’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the final.
Initially, Senegal celebrated after Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time. However, the match had already been clouded by controversy during regular play.
Tensions escalated when Senegal players protested key refereeing decisions. One incident saw Ismaïla Sarr’s goal disallowed, sparking outrage on the pitch.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a late penalty after VAR intervention. The decision pushed Senegal’s frustration to breaking point.
Coach Pape Thiaw then urged his players off the field in protest. They returned roughly 15 minutes later, before Brahim Díaz missed the penalty.
CAF verdict overturns result, hands Morocco historic second AFCON title
On Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) delivered its final verdict on the incident. CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match due to their actions during the game.
Morocco’s football federation had filed a formal appeal after the final. The appeal was upheld, and Senegal were handed a 3-0 loss.
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The ruling officially crowns Morocco champions of Africa once again. It marks their first title since 1976 and only their second in history.
CAF also reviewed disciplinary sanctions linked to the chaotic encounter. Ismael Saibari had both hsi fine and suspension reduced.
However, issues involving match conduct were not entirely dismissed. Morocco’s federation still faces penalties related to crowding the VAR area. Ball boy behaviour also came under scrutiny after interference with Edouard Mendy’s equipment. CAF reduced the fine tied to that incident to $50,000.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s AFCON triumph has been officially erased from records. The decision strips them of what would have been their second continental title.
Tags: CAF, Senegal, AFCON, #AFCON2025, Morocco.
