Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning turn of events, Morocco has been officially declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final played in January. The CAF Appeals Board ruled that Senegal “forfeited the Final,” resulting in a 3-0 default win for the host nation, Morocco. The decision, announced Tuesday, stems from a protest lodged by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) regarding the circumstances surrounding the match’s conclusion.
The controversy centers around the final moments of the January 18th match in Rabat, where a late penalty awarded to Morocco sparked a protest from the Senegalese team. Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, left the field for approximately 15 minutes in protest of the penalty decision, while fans attempted to storm the pitch. Play eventually resumed, but the incident cast a long shadow over the outcome.
According to CAF, the Senegalese team’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. The ruling effectively strips Senegal of their second continental crown, won with a 1-0 extra-time victory at the time, and awards the title to Morocco, their first since 1976. The CAF Appeals Board confirmed the decision in a statement, stating that Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the final.
The sequence of events leading to the protest began when a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in stoppage time. Brahim Díaz’s subsequent attempt from the spot – a “Panenka” chip – was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal then scored the winning goal in extra time through Pape Gueye, securing what appeared to be a hard-fought victory. Though, tension had been building prior to the penalty, as Senegal had a goal disallowed earlier in stoppage time due to a foul called on Abdoulaye Seck, a decision that appeared questionable upon replay. ESPN reports that television replays showed minimal contact between Seck and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.
The initial disciplinary hearing conducted by CAF resulted in fines exceeding $1 million and bans for players and officials from both Senegal and Morocco, but the match result remained unchanged. However, the Moroccan Football Federation appealed the decision, arguing that the events on the field significantly impacted the game’s fairness and the players’ performance. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously described the scenes as “unacceptable” and “hässlichen” (ugly), calling for measures to prevent a recurrence.
Senegal’s response to the CAF Appeals Board’s decision has been one of strong disagreement. The team has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling further, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. CAS serves as an independent body for resolving sports-related disputes through arbitration and mediation.
This unprecedented decision raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of AFCON regulations, particularly concerning player conduct and the authority of match officials. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding VAR decisions and their impact on the flow and integrity of the game. The CAF cited article 82 of tournament regulations to justify the verdict.
The ramifications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate awarding of the title. Senegal, boasting stars like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, will now have their 2022 triumph effectively erased from the record books. Morocco, meanwhile, celebrates a long-awaited continental championship, but the circumstances surrounding the victory are likely to be debated for years to come. The win marks Morocco’s first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
The CAF’s decision is certain to fuel further discussion about the governance of African football and the necessitate for clear and consistent application of the rules. The events in Rabat underscore the challenges of maintaining order and fairness in high-stakes international competitions, and the importance of upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.
What’s Next: Senegal is expected to formally file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the coming weeks. The CAS will then review the case and issue a final ruling, which is expected to take several months. Archysport will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
This is a developing story.
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