African football has been thrown into controversy after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, handing hosts Morocco the championship via forfeit.
The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeal Board on Tuesday, nullifies Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win and replaces it with a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco, in accordance with tournament regulations governing match forfeiture.
The decision follows a heated dispute during the final in Rabat, sparked by a late VAR-awarded penalty. Tensions escalated when Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest over what the team considered unfair officiating. CAF later ruled that the walk-off occurred without official authorization, leading to disciplinary action.
Senegal’s football authorities have strongly rejected the verdict, describing it as unjust and confirming plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The appeal could potentially reopen one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted across Morocco as the ruling handed them their first AFCON title since 1976, marking a historic achievement on home soil. However, the decision has not gone unchallenged in the court of public opinion. Senegalese star Sadio Mané took to social media to share images of the trophy, maintaining that his team remains the rightful champion despite the official verdict.
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As the situation develops, the football world awaits the outcome of Senegal’s appeal, which could determine whether this dramatic reversal stands or is overturned once again.