Morocco Declared AFCON 2025 Winners After CAF Overturns Final Defeat to Senegal. Rabat, Morocco — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the result of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, originally won by Senegal, and awarded the title to host nation Morocco.
The decision came after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest during the match against Morocco, prompting the appeals board to rule that Senegal had forfeited the final.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of the match, with Morocco awarded a penalty that led to a brief walk — off by Senegal players. Despite returning to the field and eventually winning the game 1-0 in extra time, the appeals board has now declared the match as a 3-0 default win for Morocco. Senegal has indicated its intention to appeal the decision, with one potential route being the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent body based in Switzerland.
The final, held on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, saw Senegal’s star forward, Sanio Mané, persuade his teammates to return to the field after coach Pape Thiaw led them off.
The match then resumed, with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz’s penalty saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. TV replays showed little contact between Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck, whose late goal was disallowed in the regular time, leading to the tense atmosphere.
Initial disciplinary hearings saw CAF impose fines of over $1 million and bans on players and officials from both teams, but the result of the match remained unchanged.
The appeal verdict, which cited article 82 of tournament regulations, seems to override the referee’s authority over field-of-play decisions. Reactions to the decision have been mixed, with Senegalese players and officials expressing frustration.
Senegalese defensive midfielder Pathé Ciss and defender Moussa Niakhaté, among others, have mocked the ruling on social media.
The verdict awards Morocco its first African title since 1976 and denies Senegal its second title, having previously won in 2021. Further details are expected as Senegal considers its appeal options.
