The Confederation of African Football has awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco after its appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the tournament following a successful protest by the Moroccan football federation. The decision, announced on Tuesday, overturned an earlier disciplinary ruling after an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, with the board finding that Senegal breached competition regulations. Morocco, who hosted the tournament, are therefore crowned AFCON 2025 champions by ruling of the appeal board rather than on the final whistle, in one of the most extraordinary conclusions to an Africa Cup of Nations in the competition’s history. Senegal had originally been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in the final played in Rabat, with the match decided in extra time after a tense and controversial encounter. Tuesday’s appeal decision, however, overturned that earlier position after the Moroccan federation challenged the disciplinary ruling, leading to the forfeiture decision that awarded the title to the host nation.

Source: Punch March 18, 2026 02:25 UTC