Morocco Declared AFCON 2025 Champions After CAF Overturns Final Result

Morocco national football team have officially been crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the original final result.

The ruling comes after a controversial sequence of events during the final match against Senegal national football team, which initially saw Senegal claim a 1-0 victory after extra time.

CAF Overturns the Final Result

CAF’s appeal board reviewed the circumstances surrounding the final and concluded that Senegal had violated tournament regulations. As a result, Senegal have been deemed to have forfeited the match, and the official score has been recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco.

This decision effectively strips Senegal of the title and awards Morocco the championship, marking a historic and highly controversial conclusion to the tournament.

Senegal Plans to Appeal

The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly opposed the ruling, labeling it unfair and damaging to African football’s reputation.

Officials have confirmed that they will challenge CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn the verdict.

According to the federation, the decision is unprecedented and fails to reflect what occurred on the pitch during the match.

Why the Decision Was Made

CAF’s ruling was based on specific provisions within its competition regulations. Article 82 states that any team that refuses to continue playing or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is considered to have forfeited the match.

Article 84 further clarifies that such violations result in a 3-0 loss and elimination from the competition.

CAF determined that Senegal’s actions during the final fell under these rules, leading to the forfeiture decision.

Morocco’s Appeal Upheld

The decision followed an official appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). CAF confirmed that the appeal was valid and upheld after review.

Morocco’s federation emphasized that their intention was not to dispute Senegal’s performance but to ensure that tournament rules were applied correctly.

They reiterated their commitment to fairness, transparency, and maintaining the integrity of African football competitions.

Controversial Moments in the Final

The final match, played on 18 January, was filled with drama and tension. With the score tied at 0-0, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time.

The decision followed a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), which suggested a foul by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

However, the decision sparked outrage among Senegal’s players and coaching staff.

Senegal Walk Off the Pitch

In protest against the penalty decision—and a previous disallowed goal—Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field.

The unexpected walk-off caused a delay of approximately 17 minutes, creating confusion and tension among officials, players, and spectators.

During this period, Sadio Mane remained on the pitch, attempting to persuade his teammates to return and complete the match.

Match Resumes and Senegal Wins

Eventually, Senegal’s players returned to the field, allowing the match to continue.

Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but failed to convert, as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved his attempt.

The game then proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, securing what initially appeared to be a victory for Senegal.

Players celebrated, and the team even held a parade with the trophy, believing they had successfully defended their title.

Emotional Impact Remains

Despite CAF’s ruling, many observers believe the emotional impact of the match cannot be erased.

Football journalist Maher Mezahi noted that the events witnessed during the game—including Senegal lifting the trophy—remain significant for fans and players alike.

The scenes of celebration and the dramatic conclusion on the pitch have left a lasting impression, regardless of the official outcome.

Reactions from the Football World

The incident drew strong reactions from across the football community.

Morocco’s head coach at the time, Walid Regragui, criticized Senegal’s actions, calling them unacceptable and damaging to the image of African football.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino condemned the events, describing them as “ugly scenes” that should not occur in major international competitions.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later admitted that his decision to pull the team off the pitch was made in the heat of the moment, acknowledging that it may not have been the right choice.

Aftermath and Consequences

The fallout from the final has been significant. Morocco parted ways with coach Walid Regragui just months after the tournament, highlighting the broader impact of the controversy.

For Senegal, the focus now shifts to their appeal at CAS, which could potentially alter the outcome once again.

The situation has also sparked wider discussions about refereeing decisions, the use of VAR, and how governing bodies handle disciplinary matters in high-stakes matches.

A Landmark Decision in African Football

CAF’s decision to overturn a major final result is rare and has set a precedent for how similar incidents may be handled in the future.

While the ruling enforces the importance of adhering to regulations, it also raises questions about fairness, consistency, and the balance between rules and on-field outcomes.

Conclusion

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final will be remembered as one of the most controversial matches in football history.

Morocco’s official recognition as champions marks a dramatic twist, while Senegal’s appeal ensures that the story is far from over.

As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and emotions that make football one of the world’s most captivating sports.

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