BREAKING: CAF announce Morocco as AFCON 2025 winners, overturn Senegal’s victory
The Confederation of African Football has officially declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overturning the original final result involving Senegal.
The decision follows a controversy that ensued during the final on 18 January, which initially saw Senegal secure a 1-0 victory after extra time.
CAF enforces regulations after walk-off controversy
The match was overshadowed when Senegal players temporarily refused to continue play after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the game still goalless.
Following a delay of around 17 minutes, play resumed, with Brahim Diaz missing from the spot before Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal in extra time.
However, CAF’s appeal board has now ruled that Senegal’s conduct breached competition regulations, specifically Article 82, which addresses refusal to continue a match without authorisation.
Morocco handed 3-0 win after appeal
An appeal submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was deemed valid and upheld.
CAF subsequently applied Article 84, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by default and formally stripping Senegal of the title.
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) March 17, 2026
The Moroccan FA clarified that its appeal was not aimed at disputing on-field performance but rather ensuring strict adherence to tournament rules and regulatory integrity.
Senegal respond with title video
While Senegal’s football authorities have not issued an official response to the ruling, the official X account of the national team reshared an old video of the players celebrating with the AFCON title.