Morocco has been declared the champion of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after the title originally held by Senegal was revoked due to their highly controversial walk-off in the final.
The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Appeal Board determined that Senegal forfeited the match after they walked off in protest over Morocco being awarded a late penalty, actions that were condemned as “shameful”.
Despite missing the penalty, which Brahim Diaz attempted with a “Panenka” style shot saved by Edouard Mendy, Senegal won the subsequent extra time 1-0. However, this ruling alters the game result to a 3-0 victory for Morocco, marking their first Afcon title since 1976.
According to Afcon regulations, if a team “refuses to play or vacates the field before the match concludes without referee consent,” they are considered the loser, and their opponent is automatically awarded a 3-0 victory, as outlined in Articles 82 and 84.
CAF’s statement highlighted that Senegal “violated Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations” and declared Senegal forfeited in accordance with Article 84.
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The Senegalese Football Federation (SFF) plans to take this case to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, aiming to reverse Tuesday’s decision.
The final, held in Rabat, turned chaotic in stoppage time when Morocco received a penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf. Senegal was incensed, especially following a disallowed goal for a soft foul on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and subsequently, most of the Senegal team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, left the field, resulting in a 14-minute delay.
Senegal’s star player Sadio Mane remained on the sidelines, attempting to bring the team back to the pitch after the delay, during which the referee struggled to regain control of the match.
Senegal staged a controversial walk-off in the Afcon final (AP)
Diaz’s penalty was taken during the 24th minute of extra time and resulted in an easy save for Mendy, leading to further play into extra time.
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Sarr scored the game-winner for Senegal in the 94th minute with a striking effort that originally seemed poised to secure the first Afcon title for Senegal in 50 years.
Thiaw was later suspended, with the suspension only affecting matches in the upcoming Afcon qualifiers, set to begin after the World Cup in June, in which both Morocco and Senegal will participate.
Nonetheless, this unexpected outcome means Morocco will enter this summer’s World Cup as Africa’s champions.
Morocco welcomed the ruling, stating: “The Federation’s aim has always been to uphold the integrity of the competition and request adherence to its regulations.”
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“We reaffirm our commitment to fairness and stability within African competitions. We will issue a formal statement after consulting our governing bodies.”
However, Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, Secretary General of the SFF, criticized the decision, claiming it was “a travesty” with “no legal basis”.
Pape Thiaw instructing his players off the pitch (Reuters)
“From the outset of the hearing, we had serious concerns. It was evident the judge was not impartial,” he stated.
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“The federation president will communicate with legal counsel; we are prepared to pursue this matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will render the final decision.”
“We will not retreat. The Senegalese people should have confidence. The truth and the law are on Senegal’s side.”