A senior official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samir Sobha, has sparked fresh controversy by claiming Morocco were “robbed” in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal national football team, MySportDab Reports.
Speaking to The Guardian, Sobha — president of the Mauritius FA and a CAF executive committee member, said the rules were not properly applied during the January 18 final in Rabat.
He described the outcome as an “injustice” against the host nation, Morocco national football team.
The match was halted for over 15 minutes after Senegal’s players threatened to leave the pitch following controversial decisions by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.
Morocco were later awarded a penalty after a VAR review, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt. Senegal eventually secured a 1-0 victory.
CAF handed out sanctions after the chaotic finale. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two games, while the Moroccan federation was fined a combined $300,000 for misconduct involving players, staff and stadium personnel.
Sobha insisted the trophy should remain with Senegal but argued that disciplinary rules were inconsistently enforced. “We should put our ego aside and agree that an injustice has been done,” he said.
The controversy prolongs Morocco’s 50-year wait for an AFCON title, with their only triumph coming in 1976.
