Morocco Crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Champion After CAF Decision

Morocco has been declared the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This decision comes despite Senegal defeating Morocco in a penalty shootout in the final on January 18.

The CAF Appeals Committee overturned the initial result, accepting the appeal filed by the Moroccan federation against Senegal. The appeal was based on Article 82 of the regulations, which stipulates that a team that abandons a match without the referee's approval loses the game 3-0. According to the Moroccan side, this occurred for approximately ten minutes in the final when the Senegalese team withdrew in protest over a penalty.

The CAF announcement states that the Senegalese national team is considered to have lost the final on paper with a score of 3-0 in favor of Morocco, based on Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) regulations. The case is expected to be taken to CAS by Senegal.