The Confederation of African Football has declared Morocco as winners of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after overturning the final result and ruling that Senegal forfeited the match. The decision, issued on Tuesday, March 17, by the CAF Appeal Board, means the final is officially recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco, who hosted the tournament. ALSO READ: Senegal crowned AFCON 2025 champions after chaotic final against Morocco CAF cited Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations in reaching its verdict. Article 82 states that any team that withdraws, refuses to play, or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is deemed to have lost the match while article 84 outlines the sanctions for such violations, including awarding a 3–0 win to the opposing team unless the actual score was already worse. The ruling follows a controversial incident late in normal time of the final. After Morocco were awarded a penalty, Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, reportedly backed by their head coach. Although they later returned and Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, the match proceeded to extra time. ALSO READ: What you might have missed in AFCON 2025 final Senegal went on to win 1–0 and were initially crowned champions. However, Morocco filed an official appeal, prompting CAF to review the case and ultimately overturn the result. The decision hands Morocco the title in dramatic fashion, bringing an unusual end to one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history.
