Stunning reversal as CAF awards afcon 2025 title to Morocco over Senegal

The CAF has delivered a bombshell decision that is reverberating throughout the world of football. A communiqué issued on Tuesday confirmed that Senegal has forfeited the AFCON 2025 final, which took place on January 18. Despite being defeated 1-0 in extra time in front of their home supporters, Morocco has been retroactively named the winner with a 3-0 scoreline.

“The Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, in application of Article 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) regulations, to declare the national team of Senegal forfeited in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” the CAF statement detailed on Tuesday evening. “The result is homologated with a score of 3-0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).”

Senegal penalised for walking off the pitch

The severe penalty imposed by CAF is a direct result of the chaotic incidents that marred the end of the final match. The sanction was handed down after a majority of Senegal’s players left the field and returned to their dressing room to protest a penalty kick awarded to Morocco. The situation escalated when supporters of the team, led by superstar Sadio Mané, also stormed the pitch, resulting in crowd disturbances and violent confrontations with stadium security.

Following a period of considerable confusion, the match did resume, starting with Brahim Diaz’s missed ‘panenka’ penalty attempt. The game then proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored what was believed to be the winning goal, securing a dramatic and hard-fought victory for the Lions of Teranga.

A controversial end to Morocco’s 49-year title drought

This unprecedented decision for a competition of such stature is certain to trigger a significant number of reactions across the continent press. For Senegalese fans, the ruling is likely to be perceived as a profound injustice, stripping their nation of a title they feel was earned on the field.

Conversely, supporters in Morocco can now celebrate the end of a nearly half-century wait for their second continental championship, a title secured on home soil under the guidance of then-coach Walid Regragui (who has since been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi). This development is set to dominate Africa news, with observers from global football circles also expected to comment on the historic ruling by the CAF Appeal Jury.

Saibari and Morocco sanctioned for towel incidents

Beyond the seismic news of Senegal’s forfeiture, CAF also addressed other disciplinary matters from the final. Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, for taking the opposing goalkeeper’s towel. However, the accompanying fine of $100,000 was rescinded.

In a related penalty, the Moroccan Football Federation was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine for the behaviour of its ball boys, who were found to have repeatedly removed the Senegalese goalkeeper’s towels during the final match.

While Morocco had initially appealed CAF’s first disciplinary decisions, which it considered too lenient on Senegal, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had not filed an appeal. However, following Tuesday’s verdict, it is now widely expected that the FSF may escalate the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.