Sports
Morocco Declared 2025 AFCON Champions After Final Result Overturned
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially recognized Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reversing the original final match outcome. This decision follows a ruling by CAF's Appeals Board, which cited Senegal's actions during the final as a breach of tournament regulations.
On Monday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) updated its official website to show Morocco as the champions of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, with Senegal now listed as runners-up. This change stems from a ruling issued by CAF's Appeals Board on March 18, which invalidated the initial result of the championship match played on January 18 in Rabat. Senegal had originally defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the lone goal. However, the contest was marked by an incident where Senegalese players briefly exited the field to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. CAF determined that Senegal's conduct in the match's final moments violated established regulations. The Appeals Board applied Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, declaring the match forfeited by Senegal and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. According to a statement from the continental body, the Senegal National Team was deemed to have forfeited the Final Match, resulting in a 3-0 score in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football. This ruling secures Morocco their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Key Facts
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- CAF's official website was updated on Monday to reflect Morocco as champions and Senegal as runners-up.
- This outcome follows a March 18 ruling by CAF's Appeals Board, which overturned the original final result.
- Senegal had initially won the January 18 final in Rabat 1-0 in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring.
- The match saw Senegalese players briefly leave the pitch to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.
- CAF ruled that Senegal's actions constituted a breach of tournament regulations.
- The Appeals Board invoked Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, declaring the match forfeited by Senegal.
- Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory, securing their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Naija News — CAF Officially Names Morocco As Winners Of 2025 AFCON