CAF declares Morocco winners of AFCON 2025, strips Senegal of title

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Morocco as the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The CAF Appeal Board decided in favour of Morocco, stating that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final by walking off the field during the game.

Morocco were awarded a 3–0 walkover victory.

This verdict upholds Morocco’s appeal following the tumultuous circumstances during the match.

The Senegal players momentarily walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was given a controversial penalty late in normal time.

Sadio Mané, their captain, summoned them back to the pitch, and they went on to win the game 1-0.

CAF decided that this action violated Article 84, or the corresponding provisions governing refusal to play or departing the pitch.

According to AFCON rules, a team that refuses to continue playing or leaves the pitch without authorisation is eliminated and forfeits the match.