Morocco have been handed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in extraordinary circumstances after Senegal’s dramatic walk-off in the final cost them the crown.
In a ruling that has sent shockwaves across African football, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Appeal Board declared Senegal forfeited the match after abandoning play in protest over a late penalty decision.
What unfolded in Rabat was pure chaos. Deep into stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a contentious penalty following a VAR review by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. The decision came just moments after Senegal had a goal chalked off, sparking fury among the players and technical bench.
Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the Senegalese side stormed off the pitch in protest, bringing the game to a standstill and leaving officials scrambling to restore order.
When play eventually resumed, Brahim Diaz failed to capitalise, his attempted Panenka easily gathered by Edouard Mendy. Senegal then appeared to settle matters on the pitch, edging Morocco 1-0 in extra time through a stunning strike from Pape Sarr.
But the real drama was only just beginning.
Caf has now overturned the result, invoking tournament regulations that penalise teams who refuse to continue matches. The final has been officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco, sealing their first Afcon triumph in nearly five decades.
The decision effectively erases Senegal’s on-field victory, replacing it with a harsh administrative defeat that will be debated for years to come.
Morocco, while acknowledging the controversy, stood firm, insisting their position was rooted in enforcing the rules rather than disputing sporting merit.
