The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revised its records to recognise Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Senegal now listed as runners-up.
The update follows a ruling by CAF’s Appeals Board delivered on 18 March 2026, which nullified the on-field outcome of the final played on 18 January 2025 in Rabat.
A check of CAF’s official platform on Monday, 23 March 2026, confirms that Morocco are now recorded as winners of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, while Nigeria remains in third place.
The decision hands Morocco its second AFCON title and its first since 1976.
The final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was marred by controversy after several disputed decisions during the match.
Following a goalless regulation time, tensions escalated deep into stoppage time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Earlier in stoppage time, Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up, a decision that prevented further VAR review and sparked protests from players and officials.
In reaction, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw directed his players to leave the pitch in protest, leading to a temporary suspension of the match and reports of disturbances involving fans and disruptions within the press area.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané later convinced the team to return, allowing play to resume.
Morocco’s penalty was subsequently saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and the match continued into extra time.
Pape Gueye then scored in the 94th minute to give Senegal a 1–0 lead, a result that appeared to secure victory as the team celebrated and lifted the trophy.
However, Morocco’s football federation lodged a protest, citing a breach of competition rules.
CAF’s Appeals Board upheld the complaint, ruling that Senegal’s walk-off constituted a violation of Article 82 of the tournament regulations, with Article 84 stipulating a 3–0 forfeiture.
In its official statement, CAF said, “The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final, with the result of the match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.”
The decision has generated significant reactions across the football community.
Senegal’s football federation rejected the verdict, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable”, adding that it “brings discredit to African football”.
The federation has indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Conversely, Moroccan authorities and supporters have defended the outcome, insisting that the decision reflects strict adherence to competition regulations.
The development has also renewed scrutiny of officiating standards, with critics pointing to the handling of key decisions during the final.
The ruling represents one of the most unusual conclusions in international football, coming months after the final had been played and initially celebrated.
