Can 2025: Morocco declared africa cup winner after Senegal’s title revoked

Controversial reversal in the CAN 2025 final

The African football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), made a stunning announcement on March 17 by revoking Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final against Morocco. The original match, held on January 18, had ended with Senegal’s triumph (1-0 after extra time), but the outcome has now been overturned following an appeal.

• The CAF Appeal Committee ruled that Senegal’s actions during the final constituted a forfeit, resulting in a 3-0 technical victory for Morocco.
• Senegal’s Football Federation retains the right to challenge this decision within 10 days by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
• The CAF’s decision was based on articles 82 and 84 of the CAN competition regulations, which address unsanctioned team withdrawals from matches.

Key moments that led to the decision

During the final, with the score tied 0-0 in extra time, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco. In protest, most Senegalese players left the field and returned to the locker room. This triggered a 20-minute delay as supporters invaded the pitch, leading to clashes with security personnel. The game resumed in chaos, culminating in Morocco’s missed penalty before Senegal scored the winning goal in extra time.

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) filed an official complaint, arguing that Senegal’s conduct violated competition rules. The CAF Appeal Committee ultimately sided with Morocco, deeming the Senegalese team’s actions as grounds for disqualification under the tournament’s regulations.

Reactions and next steps

Senegalese players expressed disbelief and frustration following the announcement. Midfielder Pape Demba Diop took to social media, writing, “We’re dealing with madness here, I think.” Teammate Moussa Niakhaté shared a post with the trophy, captioning it, “This isn’t AI—it’s real.”

The Moroccan Football Federation responded by stating it was merely requesting the proper application of the competition’s rules. Meanwhile, Senegal’s federation is expected to pursue a CAS appeal within the 10-day window, leaving the final outcome uncertain.