Breaking: Morocco Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Senegal Forfeit

Morocco have been officially declared champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board overturned the final result against Senegal national football team, awarding a 3–0 forfeit victory to the host nation.

The dramatic ruling follows chaotic scenes in Rabat, where Senegal’s players walked off the pitch during extra time in protest over a late penalty decision awarded to Morocco after a VAR review. The incident occurred when Morocco’s Brahim Díaz was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area deep into stoppage time, sparking furious reactions from the Senegalese bench.

Head coach Pape Thiaw reportedly instructed his players to leave the field, halting play for several minutes. CAF’s Appeal Board determined that this action violated Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, which govern team conduct and forfeiture.

In its official statement, CAF confirmed that Morocco’s football federation’s appeal was upheld, the earlier Disciplinary Board decision was set aside, and Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the final. The match result is therefore recorded as 3–0 in favour of the hosts, the Morocco national football team.

The decision strips Senegal of what would have been their second AFCON title and hands Morocco the continental crown after a final that ended in controversy rather than celebration.

CAF added that all other requests for relief were dismissed, bringing a definitive end to one of the most contentious finals in the competition’s history.