Afcon 2025: Morocco declared the Afcon winners after CAF overturns final controversial defeat to Senegal
Morocco have officially been declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s controversial walk-off.
Senegal had originally won the final 1–0 on 18 January, but the match was marred by controversy. With the game still goalless in stoppage time, the hosts Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly refuse to continue playing. After a 17-minute delay, the match resumed—Morocco’s Brahim DÃaz had his penalty saved, and Pape Gueye later scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.
However, CAF’s appeal board has now ruled that Senegal violated tournament regulations. According to CAF, Senegal forfeited the match, meaning the result is officially recorded as a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
The decision followed an appeal from the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which CAF deemed valid. CAF stated that Senegal’s actions breached Article 82 of AFCON regulations, which penalizes teams that refuse to play or leave the field without the referee’s permission. Under Article 84, such a violation results in elimination and a 3–0 loss.
In a statement, the FRMF said the appeal was not meant to question Senegal’s performance, but simply to ensure that the tournament rules were properly applied. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to respecting regulations and maintaining fairness in African competitions.
The Senegalese Football Federation has not officially responded yet, though a video posted on the national team’s X account showed players celebrating with the AFCON trophy during a bus parade.
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