Sadio Mane lifts the AFCON trophy (Image: Getty Images)
The result of the final against Senegal in January was reversed 58 days after the match and Morocco were declared winners of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. Senegal won 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye, but a penalty awarded to Morocco in the 98th minute sparked controversy and Senegal was stripped of the title. This led to the Senegalese squad being sent off the pitch, leading to a 17-minute delay and tensions rising inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with fans also clashing with security guards.
After the match was eventually restarted, Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty was saved and Gueye won against Senegal in extra time, clinching Senegal’s second AFCON title. But now, two months later, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared Morocco the winners after an appeals committee decided to forfeit the match to Senegal. This means Morocco have been crowned AFCON champions for the first time since 1976.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has launched an appeal for a declaration of victory following Senegal’s expulsion. The CAF Disciplinary Committee denied the petition, but the Atlas Lions appealed that decision, and the Appeals Committee ruled in their favor on Tuesday.
A CAF statement said: “The CAF Appeals Board has decided that, in application of Article 84 of the CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Regulations, the Senegalese national team is sentenced to forfeit the Total Energy CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final match (the “Match”) and that the result of the match is recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Marocaine Football Federation. (FRMF).
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee today decided that, in application of Article 84 of the CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Regulations, the Senegalese national team is sentenced to forfeiture of the Total Energy CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final match (match) and that the result of the match is recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Marocaine Federation.Football (FRMF).
“Regarding the appeal by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Regulations, the CAF Appeals Board has rendered the following judgment:
“The appeal filed by the Royal Marocaine Football Federation (FRMF) is formally declared admitted and the appeal is upheld.”
“-The decision of the CAF Disciplinary Committee is reserved.
“The CAF Appeals Board further found that the conduct of the Senegalese team was within the ambit of Articles 82 and 84 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations.
“The protest lodged by the Royal Marocaine Football Federation (FRMF) is supported.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), through the actions of its team, is declared to have violated Article 82 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations.
“In application of Article 84 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, the Senegal team is declared a forfeit of the match and the result is recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Morocaine Football Federation (FRMF).
“–All other motions and prayers for relief are denied.”
Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the final. (Image: Getty)
The CAF Appeals Board also ruled that:
“The appeal filed regarding Ismael Saibari (Moroccan player number 11) has been partially granted.
“The CAF Appeals Board confirms the finding that Mr. Ismael Saibari (player number 11 of the Moroccan national team) committed an illegal act in violation of Article 82 and Article 83 (1) of the CAF Disciplinary Law.”
“The sanction imposed on Ismael Saibari (Moroccan player number 11) has been modified to a suspension for two official CAF matches, one of which will be suspended.”
“The $100,000 fine imposed on Ismael Saibari (Moroccan player number 11) is suspended.
“The appeal filed in relation to the ball boy case was partially allowed.
“The CAF Appeals Board confirms its finding that the Royal Marocaine Football Federation (FRMF) is responsible for the actions of the ball boys during the aforementioned match.”
“The fine imposed on the Royal Molocaine Football Federation (FRMF) in relation to the ball boy incident is reduced to $50,000.
“- The appeal filed regarding interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.
– Confirms the $100,000 fine imposed on the Royal Marocaine Football Federation (FRMF) for obstruction around the OFR/VAR review area.
“The appeal filed in relation to the laser case has been partially allowed.
“The fine imposed on the Royal Morocaine Football Federation (FRMF) in relation to the laser incident is reduced to $10,000.
“–All other motions and prayers for relief are denied.”
In response, the FRMF (Royal Moroccan Football Federation) said in a statement: “The Federation would like to recall that its approach is not intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but merely to demand the application of the competition’s regulations.”
“The federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competition framework and maintaining stability in African competitions.
“We would also like to congratulate all the countries that took part in this AFCON, which was a significant moment for African football. The federation will issue an official statement tomorrow after convening its governing body.”
