Senegal Stripped of AFCON Title as CAF Hands Victory to Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic reversal of the final match outcome.

The decision came after CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final due to a temporary walk-off during the match in protest of a controversial penalty decision.

Although Senegal had initially won the match 1–0 after extra time, CAF determined that leaving the pitch without authorisation violated tournament regulations. As a result, the governing body awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory, officially crowning them champions.

The final, played in Rabat, had been marred by controversy, including disputes over officiating decisions and interruptions during play.

The ruling has sparked widespread reactions across the football community, with the Senegalese Football Federation rejecting the decision and indicating plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

For Morocco, the decision marks a historic triumph, handing them their second AFCON title and first since 1976.

CAF’s verdict adds a controversial chapter to the 2025 tournament, raising debates over officiating, disciplinary rules and the integrity of major continental competitions.

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