CAN 2025: a dramatic twist as CAF cancels Senegal’s victory and crowns Morocco.

A complete reversal of the situation on the African stage. Beaten at the end of a tense final against Senegal, Morocco was ultimately named the winner of AFCON 2025… several weeks after the final whistle. On the field, the Senegalese had snatched victory at the end of a tense match, marked by a controversial episode late in the game. A contested refereeing decision had caused a temporary stoppage, with the Senegalese players leaving the pitch before play resumed. An incident that seemed at the time to have no bearing on the outcome of the tournament.

But prompted by the Moroccan Football Federation, the CAF Appeals Panel ultimately re-examined the case. Relying on the regulations in force, the body ruled that Senegal’s conduct deserved a heavy sanction. Result: the final is officially a 3-0 forfeit loss for the Lions of Teranga, thereby awarding the trophy to the Moroccans. A decision rare at this level, which upends the recent history of the competition and offers Morocco a title as unexpected as it is controversial.