In a dramatic ruling, the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco national football team after declaring Senegal national football team to have forfeited the final, mYsportDab RFeports.
The decision follows an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which successfully overturned an earlier verdict by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee. C
iting Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, the Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the final warranted severe sanctions.
As a result, the match has been officially recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of Morocco, handing the hosts the continental crown.
The final, played on January 18 in Rabat, had initially ended in a 1-0 win for Senegal after extra time. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in a tense encounter that followed a chaotic sequence late in regulation time.
Controversy erupted after a Senegal goal was disallowed and a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. Several Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, while supporters attempted to invade the field and threw objects.
Despite Brahim Diaz missing the resulting penalty, the disruption proved pivotal in CAF’s final ruling.
In response, the FRMF acknowledged the Appeals Committee’s decision, stressing that its intention was not to undermine sporting results but to ensure adherence to competition regulations.
“The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules and maintaining the integrity of African competitions,” the statement read, while also commending all participating nations.
The Moroccan federation added that further comments will be made after internal consultations, as CAF’s decision brings a controversial end to one of the most dramatic finals in AFCON history.
