The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a controversial ruling that overturned the original final result.
A check on CAF’s official records shows that Morocco are now listed as winners of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, with Senegal placed as runners-up, while Nigeria finished third.
The decision comes after CAF’s Appeals Board issued a ruling on March 18, reversing the outcome of the final played two months ago in Rabat
Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. However, the match was marred by controversy after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF ruled that the walk-off constituted a breach of competition regulations.
In a statement, CAF said, “The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result of the match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
The governing body added that the decision was in line with Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, effectively awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and their second continental title.
The ruling has since triggered widespread debate across the football community, with critics arguing that the decision undermines the outcome on the pitch.
Senegal’s football federation has strongly rejected the verdict, confirming plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
A final verdict from CAS could take up to a year.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the Appeals Board’s decision, stressing that due process was followed.
“No nation will be favoured,” Motsepe said, adding that the organisation remains committed to upholding the integrity of its regulations.
