The Confederation of African Football CAF has officially recognised Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a ruling that overturned the initial result of the final.
According to updated records on CAF’s website, Morocco are now listed as champions of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, with Senegal recorded as runners-up, while Nigeria retained third place.
The decision follows a March 18 ruling by CAF’s Appeals Board, which nullified the outcome of the January 18 final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The match had ended in controversy after a series of disputed officiating decisions. Senegal had initially secured a 1–0 victory in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal, and went on to celebrate what appeared to be their second AFCON title.
However, the turning point came earlier in stoppage time when Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco following a VAR review involving Brahim Díaz and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
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Morocco’s football federation subsequently filed a protest, arguing that the walk-off breached competition regulations.
CAF’s Appeals Board upheld the complaint, ruling that Senegal’s action violated Article 82 of the rules, which, under Article 84, attracts an automatic 3–0 forfeiture.
As a result, the match was awarded to Morocco, giving them their second AFCON title and first since 1976.
The ruling has sparked widespread controversy, with Senegal’s football authorities describing it as unfair and vowing to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, Moroccan officials and supporters have welcomed the verdict, insisting it reflects strict adherence to the rules.
The decision marks one of the most unusual outcomes in international football, coming months after the final had already been played and celebrated.