The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON ) has taken a stunning twist, as the Confederation of African Football officially awarded the tournament title to Morocco following a controversial appeal ruling.

The trophy which was initially celebrated as a historic triumph for Senegal has now been overturned, rewriting the outcome of one of the most dramatic finals in recent football history.

What happened between Senegal and Morocco?

The final, played earlier this year, saw Senegal edge Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a tightly contested encounter. However, the match descended into chaos during a decisive VAR moment, as Senegal players protested a penalty decision and briefly walked off the pitch.

That incident would later prove pivotal, casting a shadow over what should have been a crowning moment for the West African champions.Morocco filed a formal complaint, urging CAF to review the events that unfolded during the final.

After weeks of deliberation, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had breached competition regulations by abandoning play, even temporarily. The governing body enforced a strict sanction in line with its disciplinary code.

What is CAF’s verdict?

CAF awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory by forfeit, effectively handing them the AFCON 2025 title. The decision marks a historic achievement for Morocco, securing their first continental triumph in decades and sparking celebrations across the nation.

The fallout from this decision is expected to continue, with Senegal likely to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This will go down as one of the most contentious moments in African football, highlighting the growing influence of VAR and the importance of discipline on the biggest stage.

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