Morocco declared CAN 2025 champions after CAF overturns final result against Sénégal

In a stunning development, CAF has dramatically altered the outcome of the CAN 2025 final. A communiqué issued on Tuesday by African football’s governing body announced that Sénégal would forfeit the final, which was contested on January 18. Despite being defeated 1-0 after extra time in front of their home supporters, Morocco has been awarded the championship by a 3-0 default score.

“The Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, in application of Article 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) regulations, to declare the national team of Sénégal as having forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” the CAF statement detailed on Tuesday evening. “The result is homologated with a score of 3-0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).”

Sénégal penalised for leaving the field of play

CAF’s decision to penalise Sénégal is a direct result of the turmoil that unfolded late in the match. After Morocco was awarded a penalty, which Brahim Diaz subsequently missed with a catastrophic panenka attempt, a majority of the Senegalese players left the pitch and returned to their dressing room as a form of protest. The situation was further complicated when supporters of the team led by superstar Sadio Mané entered the field, leading to a crowd surge and altercations with stadium staff.

Following a period of significant confusion, the match eventually resumed with Brahim Diaz’s missed penalty, followed by a period of extra time. It was during this period that Pape Gueye became a national hero, scoring the winning goal that delivered what was thought to be a fantastic victory for the Lions of la Teranga.

Morocco’s 49-year title drought comes to an end

This ruling, a first for a competition of such high stature, is poised to trigger a substantial number of reactions. Senegalese fans are expected to be deeply frustrated by what many will perceive as a stolen victory for their nation.

Conversely, supporters in Morocco can now celebrate the conclusion of a nearly half-century wait for a CAN trophy. This marks the second continental title for the team then managed by Walid Regragui (who has since been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi). Furthermore, observers across the global football community are unlikely to remain silent following this historic decision by the CAF appeal jury.

Sanctions for Saibari and Morocco over towel incidents

In addition to the seismic decision to strip Sénégal of the title, CAF also upheld sanctions against Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari for stealing the opposing goalkeeper’s towel during the final. The PSV player has been given a two-match suspension (one of which is suspended), while his $100,000 fine has been rescinded.

Similarly, the Moroccan Football Federation must pay a $50,000 fine for the behaviour of its ball boys during the final. On several occasions, members of the event staff were seen taking the towels belonging to Sénégal’s goalkeeper.

While Morocco had appealed the initial CAF decisions after the final, deeming them too lenient on Sénégal, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had not lodged an appeal. However, following the appeal jury’s verdict on Tuesday, the Senegalese body may now choose to escalate the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.