The Confederation of African Football has officially declared Morocco as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overturning the original result of the final, in a decision that has sparked widespread controversy across the football world.
Following a ruling by its Appeals Board on March 18, CAF updated its official records to list Morocco as winners of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, with Senegal now recorded as runners-up. Nigeria retained third place.
The decision hands Morocco its second AFCON title, and first since 1976, months after the final was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The January 18 final had ended in dramatic fashion. After a goalless 90 minutes, tensions escalated deep into stoppage time when a VAR review led to a penalty being awarded to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Díaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Earlier, Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up, a decision that denied further VAR review and triggered protests from players and officials.
In response, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his team to leave the pitch in protest, leading to a temporary suspension of the match. The situation escalated with reported fan clashes and disruptions in the press area before Senegal captain Sadio Mané convinced his teammates to return and resume play.
Morocco’s penalty was eventually saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and the game proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute to give Senegal a 1–0 lead — a goal that initially sealed what was celebrated as their second AFCON triumph.
However, Morocco’s football federation lodged a protest after the match, citing a breach of competition rules.
CAF’s Appeals Board upheld the complaint, ruling that Senegal’s temporary walk-off violated Article 82 of the tournament regulations. Under Article 84, the offence carries an automatic 3–0 forfeiture.
In its official statement, CAF said, “The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final, with the result of the match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.”
Senegal’s football federation has strongly rejected the decision, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable” and warning that it “brings discredit to African football.” The body confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Moroccan authorities and supporters, however, have welcomed the verdict, insisting it reflects a strict application of established rules.
The ruling — delivered months after the final whistle — marks one of the most unusual outcomes in international football history and has reignited debate over officiating standards, with many observers criticising the refereeing decisions that shaped the match.
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