The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after overturning Senegal’s victory in the final.
Senegal had originally won the match 1-0 in extra time on 21 January, but CAF’s decision now replaces that result with a 3-0 win in favour of the hosts, Morocco.
The controversy began deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting strong protests from Senegal’s players. In the confusion that followed, most of the Senegal team walked off the pitch, leaving only their captain, Sadio Mané, behind.
Play eventually resumed after about 15 minutes. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to score what looked like the winning goal through Pape Gueye.
However, CAF’s appeal board later ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off violated tournament rules. Under Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, a team that leaves the field without the referee’s permission forfeits the match. Article 84 states that such a violation results in an automatic 3-0 loss.
CAF upheld Morocco’s appeal and enforced the rule, confirming the hosts as champions. No additional sporting sanctions were imposed.
The decision has triggered widespread debate, but it officially crowns Morocco as AFCON 2025 winners, while Senegal are left to reflect on a dramatic and controversial end to what had seemed like a historic victory.
