The Morocco declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after CAF ruling
Nearly two months after what was supposed to be a thrilling final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, the controversy refuses to fade. While Senegal had celebrated their continental triumph after an intense match against Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has now reversed the outcome, declaring the Moroccan team the winners by default.
The decision follows Senegal’s abrupt exit from the pitch after a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed by Brahim Diaz.
Understanding the CAF’s decision
The CAF’s ruling is unambiguous: Senegal has been declared forfeit. According to the official statement released by the governing body, the Senegalese national team was found in violation of the tournament’s regulations, resulting in a default loss and a 3-0 victory awarded to Morocco.
This decision stems from Article 84 of the CAN regulations, which states that any team leaving the field before the match’s conclusion without the referee’s permission will be deemed the loser and eliminated from the competition. The Moroccan Football Federation had filed an appeal, arguing that Senegal’s actions violated the integrity of the competition.
The controversial moments leading to the ruling
Revisiting the final held on January 18 in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the game remained goalless until Morocco was awarded a penalty following a collision between Diouf and Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked outrage among Senegalese players, who felt they had also been denied a penalty earlier in the match.
Under the leadership of coach Pape Thiaw, the Senegalese team, known as the Lions of Teranga, stormed off the pitch in protest. Only captain Sadio Mané initially remained on the field, later persuading his teammates to return and complete the match. Former coach Claude Le Roy recounted the dramatic exchange on the pitch, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
The chaotic sequence continued as Brahim Diaz missed his penalty with a panenka attempt, which drew widespread criticism. Senegal equalized in extra time through Pape Gueye’s stunning left-footed strike, seemingly securing their victory before the unprecedented turn of events.
How Morocco secured the title
In the days following the final, the Moroccan Football Federation lodged a formal appeal with the CAF, challenging the result and emphasizing Senegal’s breach of regulations. The federation argued that leniency in such cases could normalize similar incidents, undermining the sport’s integrity.
A source close to the federation stated, “The issue extends beyond a single match; the lack of firmness in addressing such misconduct invites repetition. Ultimately, it’s the very spirit of football that is at stake.” The federation cited previous cases, including the 2018-2019 CAF Champions League final and the 2024 Turkish Supercup, where similar rulings were applied.
Senegal’s potential recourse
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has vowed to challenge the decision, announcing plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within ten days. In a late-night statement, the FSF condemned the ruling as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” vowing to defend the team’s rights and the integrity of Senegalese football.
The Moroccan Federation, meanwhile, accepted the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to the rules, transparency, and the stability of African competitions.
Given the CAS’s previous rulings in similar cases, such as the 2018-2019 CAF Champions League final, the outcome may again favor Morocco. In that instance, Wydad Casablanca had protested a disallowed goal, left the field, and was initially ordered to replay the match. However, after further appeals, the title was awarded to Espérance Sportive de Tunis, a decision upheld by the CAS.
Reactions from Senegal
The Senegalese team and its supporters have expressed outrage and disbelief over the ruling. Defender Moussa Niakhaté took to Instagram, posting a photo with the trophy and writing, “Come and get them! They’re crazy.” Midfielder Pape Demba Diop echoed the sentiment, stating, “I think we’re in a parallel universe.”
Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf shared a team photo with the caption, “Two stars, in the eyes of the world,” while former international Famara Diedhou taunted Morocco, asking, “Will the victory parade be in Rabat or Casablanca?” The reaction of team captain Sadio Mané remains highly anticipated.
The CAF’s decision has reignited debates about fairness and consistency in African football, leaving the continent’s football community divided over the future of the sport.
