In a dramatic and unprecedented ruling, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco national football team the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the post-final forfeiture of Senegal national football team.
The decision stems from events in Rabat, where Senegal walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The controversy began when Ismaila Sarr’s goal for Senegal was disallowed, followed by the penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review.
Senegal initially appeared to secure the victory with Pape Gueye scoring in extra-time, but their walk-off during regulation time—prompted by instructions from manager Pape Thiaw—led to a ruling that ultimately nullified their win. Senegal returned to the field about 15 minutes later, but the game had already been marred by disputes, including Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missing the penalty that could have decided the match in regulation time.
CAF’s Appeal Board applied Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, declaring that Senegal forfeited the match. As a result, the final score has been officially recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.
A CAF statement read: “The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (‘the Match’). With the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
This ruling marks a historic and highly contentious conclusion to AFCON 2025, sparking widespread debate across African football circles.
