The Morocco national football team has been officially declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football overturned the original final result, ruling that the Senegal national football team forfeited the match.
Senegal had initially won the January 18 final in Rabat 1-0 after extra time. However, CAF’s appeals board later determined that Senegal’s actions during the match violated tournament regulations. Citing Article 82, CAF ruled that any team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is considered to have forfeited. Under Article 84, such a violation results in a 3-0 loss.
As a result, Senegal’s victory has been annulled and officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco. The decision followed an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation, which said it sought only the enforcement of competition rules, not to challenge the on-field result.
What Happened at the Final?
The final descended into chaos late in stoppage time with the score at 0-0. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty after a VAR review, moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed for a foul.
Angered by the decisions, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest, causing a delay of around 15–17 minutes. Although they eventually returned, tensions remained high.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz saw his penalty saved by Édouard Mendy, and Senegal went on to score the only goal in extra time through Pape Gueye.
Despite the result on the pitch, CAF ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a breach of regulations serious enough to overturn the outcome. The case could still be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
