Morocco Takes AFCON 2025 Title in Stunning Show of Old-Fashioned Magic!
Controversy at AFCON: Morocco declared winner of AFCON 2025 after appeal Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The ruling overturns Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win in the final, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco. The decision followed a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco, which sparked protests from Senegal’s players.
During the delay, most of the Senegal team left the pitch while captain Sadio Mané stayed behind. Play resumed after roughly 15 minutes, and Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. Senegal then scored what appeared to be the winning goal through Pape Gueye , but CAF’s appeal board later ruled that the walk-off breached Article 82 of AFCON regulations, which states a team forfeits the match if it leaves the pitch without the referee’s permission.
Under Article 84, such a breach automatically results in a 3-0 forfeit. CAF confirmed Morocco’s appeal, applying the rule in full, and no further sporting penalties were issued. The ruling has sparked debate but cements Morocco as the official champions of AFCON 2025.
For Senegal, it is a bitter end to what they initially celebrated as a historic triumph, while Morocco claim the title in one of the most controversial conclusions in recent African football history.