The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, overturning Senegal’s on-field victory after ruling that the Teranga Lions forfeited the final.
The decision follows a protest filed by Morocco after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch during the closing stages of the final match in Rabat, in reaction to a disputed penalty decision. CAF determined that the walkout constituted a violation of competition regulations, effectively ending the match prematurely.
Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, CAF ruled that Senegal’s actions amounted to a refusal to continue the match, leading to an automatic forfeit. As a result, the final score has been officially recorded as 3–0 in favor of Morocco.
The match had initially extended into extra time after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a penalty. Senegal later scored through Pape Gueye and believed they had secured their second AFCON title following their 2021 triumph.
However, CAF’s Appeal Board concluded that Senegal’s conduct fell within the scope of disciplinary sanctions outlined in the regulations, validating Morocco’s claim.
The ruling marks Morocco’s second AFCON title in history, their first since 1976. Senegal retains the option to challenge the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority in international sports disputes.
Source: TRT Africa
