Morocco has been declared the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a Confederation of African Football decision to overturn their 1-0 final defeat to Senegal. CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match by refusing to play after a penalty was awarded to the hosts. The result is now recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Morocco and Senegal ended in controversy. Senegal's Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner for a 1-0 victory after remarkable scenes in stoppage time. Morocco was awarded a contentious penalty, prompting Senegal players to refuse to play for around 17 minutes. They returned, but Brahim Diaz's panenka attempt was saved, leading to extra time and Senegal's win at the time. Morocco appealed, citing Senegal's conduct. CAF's initial disciplinary hearing imposed fines and bans but upheld the result. However, the CAF Appeal Board deemed Morocco's appeal admissible and upheld it on Tuesday. CAF stated that Senegal is 'declared to have forfeited the final match' with the 'result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour' of Morocco. The board ruled Senegal breached Article 82 of AFCON regulations by refusing to play without referee permission, triggering Article 84's 3-0 forfeiture penalty. This marks Morocco's first AFCON title since 1976, though in unusual circumstances. The case could proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Both sources confirm the decision came about two months after the January final.
