AFCON 2025 shock ruling: Morocco named champions, Senegal loses title 3-0 by forfeit

By our sports correspondent, Ebrima Sonko, Dakar Senegal
2025 Africa Cup of Nations has taken a dramatic turn after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially declared Morocco champions, overturning the original result of the final following a controversial incident involving Senegal’s national team.
Senegal had initially been recorded as winners after defeating Morocco 1–0 in the final played on January 18. The match, however, was marred by tension late in regulation time when Moroccan hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty while the score was still level. Senegalese players protested the decision and briefly refused to continue the match, leaving the field in dispute.
After a delay that lasted nearly 17 minutes, play resumed. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz saw his penalty saved, and the game proceeded to extra time, where Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored what was believed to be the winning goal. Senegal celebrated the victory and even held a parade with the trophy shortly after the tournament.
Following a formal complaint by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), CAF’s appeal board reviewed the incident and ruled that Senegal had violated tournament regulations by refusing to play during the final. In its decision, CAF stated that Senegal’s actions breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations rules, which considers a team that refuses to continue a match without the referee’s permission to have forfeited the game.
CAF also cited Article 84, which provides that any team found guilty of such an offense automatically loses the match by a 3-0 scoreline. As a result, the governing body declared the final forfeited by Senegal and officially recorded the result as a 3-0 victory for Morocco, making the North African side the new champions of AFCON 2025.
The Senegalese Football Federation strongly rejected the ruling, describing it as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable. Officials confirmed that they will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest authority for resolving disputes in international sports.
In a statement, the Moroccan federation said its appeal was not meant to question the performance of the teams on the pitch but to ensure that competition rules were properly applied. The body added that respecting regulations is essential to maintaining fairness and stability in African football competitions.
Despite the ruling, reactions across the football community have been mixed. A video posted earlier on Senegal’s official team account showed players celebrating with the trophy during a victory parade, highlighting the emotional impact of the original result.
Football journalist Maher Mezahi told BBC Radio that the decision may change the official record but cannot erase what fans witnessed during the match. According to him, the memories of Senegal lifting the trophy and celebrating with supporters will remain, regardless of the administrative outcome.
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