In a stunning twist to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Morocco have officially been declared champions following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board. The decision overturns the original result against Senegal, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory after a chaotic and controversial ending to the match in Rabat.
A Final That Ended in Controversy
What was meant to be a historic showdown quickly spiraled into confusion and drama during extra time. Deep into stoppage time, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz went down inside the penalty area. While the referee initially dismissed the appeal, a VAR review dramatically changed the course of the match, resulting in a penalty being awarded to the hosts.
The decision ignited fury on the Senegalese bench. In a shocking move, head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players—known as the Lions of Teranga—to walk off the pitch in protest. The unprecedented act brought the match to a halt and left officials scrambling to respond.
CAF Steps In
Following the incident, Morocco’s football federation lodged an official appeal. After reviewing the case, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in favor of the hosts, declaring the appeal “admissible” and fully upheld. The board concluded that Senegal’s actions—specifically leaving the field of play—violated tournament regulations.
Citing Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON rules, the board determined that Senegal had effectively forfeited the match. As a result, the final score was retrospectively recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco.
A Historic—but Contested—Victory
The ruling not only hands Morocco the AFCON 2025 title but also strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental triumph. It’s a decision that will likely be debated for years, given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the final.
While Morocco celebrates a historic championship on home soil, the dramatic conclusion serves as a reminder of how quickly the beautiful game can turn unpredictable—both on and off the pitch.
