Sankofaonline Sports News Desk
Morocco have been officially declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football overturned Senegal’s victory in a dramatic and unprecedented ruling.
CAF’s Appeals Board announced that Senegal have forfeited the final, with the match now recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco. The decision follows Senegal’s controversial walk‑off during second‑half stoppage time, when players refused to continue after a VAR‑awarded penalty sparked outrage on the pitch and disbelief in the stands.
The original final, played before a deafening, sold‑out crowd, had been a tense, tactical battle. Morocco pressed relentlessly in pursuit of their first title since 1976, while Senegal absorbed pressure with the composure of defending champions. But the match descended into chaos in the 20th minute of stoppage time when the disputed penalty triggered Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the field.
After a 17‑minute delay, play resumed. Brahim Díaz’s penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy, and Senegal went on to score what was then the extra‑time winner through Pape Gueye.
CAF has now ruled that Senegal’s refusal to continue,despite eventually returning,constituted grounds for forfeiture. The governing body’s decision rewrites the ending of a final already regarded as one of the most dramatic in AFCON history.
Morocco are now officially crowned champions of Africa, in a conclusion unlike anything the tournament has witnessed before.
