By Wellington Jopelo
Morocco have been officially declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, two months after Senegal initially celebrated victory in the final. The decision was made by Confederation of African Football following an appeal by Morocco’s football federation over events that disrupted the final.
The match, played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was thrown into chaos after Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, ordered his players off the pitch during the game. The protest followed controversial refereeing decisions, including a late penalty awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Diaz in the 83rd minute.
The match was briefly suspended as fans invaded the pitch, leading to clashes between supporters and security officials before play eventually resumed. Although Diaz missed the penalty and Senegal went on to score through Pape Gueye in extra time, CAF later ruled that the events after the walk-off were invalid.
CAF stated that Senegal violated competition rules by leaving the field without the referee’s approval, an action that attracts a forfeiture under its regulations. As a result, Senegal were handed a 3-0 loss, and Morocco were awarded the title, ending their 49-year wait for continental glory.
Senegal may still challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, though their federation has yet to officially respond.
The decision marks one of the most controversial conclusions in AFCON history, shifting the outcome of the final from the pitch to administrative judgment.