Morocco awarded 2025 AFCON title as CAF overturns Senegal victory
Morocco have been officially crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions months after the final, following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn Senegal’s on-pitch victory due to a team walk-off.
The dramatic ruling alters the history books, awarding a 3-0 forfeit victory to the Atlas Lions despite them initially losing 1-0 after extra time in the original fixture.
Chaos originally erupted during stoppage time of a tense goalless draw when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was advised to consult the pitchside monitor.
The official controversially awarded a penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz, prompting immediate fury from the West African nation.
Unprecedented pitch walk-off
Incensed by the late VAR intervention, the Senegalese players refused to continue and marched off the field in extraordinary scenes of protest.
Play was suspended for approximately 17 minutes before the squad eventually agreed to return to the pitch to face the penalty.
Justice appeared to be served for the Teranga Lions when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy spectacularly saved the resulting spot-kick from the Real Madrid playmaker.
Buoyed by the dramatic reprieve, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in extra time to seemingly reclaim the continental crown for his country.
CAF appeal board reverses result
However, the story took an unprecedented twist months later when African football’s governing body intervened following a formal review.
An official tribunal ruled that the lengthy protest constituted a match abandonment under tournament regulations.
“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match.”
The governing body confirmed the result would be permanently recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of the Moroccan football federation.
Senegal left furious by ruling
The Senegalese Football Federation immediately condemned the verdict, fiercely defending their players’ actions during the highly charged final.
“It is an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football.”
The administrative outcome means the North African side claim their second-ever AFCON title, adding to their historic 1976 triumph, without having lifted the trophy on the night.