Morocco secures African Cup of Nations triumph in thrilling finale!
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images Morocco have been awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after CAF overturned the final result, despite Senegal winning 1-0 on the pitch in Rabat. The decision followed a formal appeal after chaotic scenes late in the final, shifting the outcome away from what happened during extra time. This was not about the missed penalty or the winning goal.
It was about whether Senegal crossed a line that CAF could not ignore. Photo by Samah Zidan/Anadolu via Getty Images CAF ruling explains why Morocco were given AFCON title CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after leaving the pitch during extra time, applying competition regulations that convert that action into a 3-0 defeat. The walk-off came after a VAR decision awarded Morocco a late penalty, triggering protests from the Senegal bench and a temporary exit from the field.
Even though players returned and the game continued, CAF determined the breach had already occurred, making the later action irrelevant to the final decision. Senegal walk-off in AFCON final proved decisive moment Senegal’s 1-0 win in extra time, secured through Papa Gueye, ultimately carried no weight once CAF applied its disciplinary framework. The ruling makes clear that leaving the field, even briefly, is treated as a serious violation regardless of match context or outcome.
Morocco’s appeal was upheld on that basis, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 forfeit and the hosts confirmed as AFCON champions. The case sets a clear precedent for future tournaments, control of the match takes priority over everything that happens after. Read more: Kylian Mbappe’s latest stunt must have brought back AFCON final memories for Brahim Diaz Moroccan-origin Nora Fatehi, turned Bollywood star reacts to controversial AFCON final, ‘I’ll never forget…’ Bruno Derrien sounds off on AFCON 2026 final referee’s failure during controversial end