Morocco's forward #20 Ayoub El Kaabi celebrates his goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) group A football match between Morocco and Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on December 21, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Football fans across Africa and beyond have reacted with shock after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding it to Morocco.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAF confirmed that its appeal board ruled that Senegal had “forfeited the final,” meaning their 1-0 extra-time victory has now been recorded as a 3-0 win in favour of the host nation, Morocco.
The dramatic twist stems from the chaotic scenes during the January 18 final in Rabat. With the game nearing its end, Senegal’s players under coach Pape Thiaw walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty that could have decided the match. The situation escalated as some fans attempted to invade the pitch, leading to a 15-minute stoppage.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty, failing in his attempted Panenka. Senegal eventually regrouped and went on to win the match in extra time, sparking celebrations at the time.
However, CAF’s latest ruling has reversed that outcome, citing the team’s temporary walk-off as a breach of regulations.
The decision has triggered widespread debate online, with many fans questioning both the timing and fairness of the ruling. Some argued that not all Senegal players left the field during the protest, making the situation less clear-cut.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané also weighed in, posting on social media: “The world knows the true champions.”
Despite CAF’s verdict, the controversy continues to divide opinion among football fans , with many supporters insisting the matter leaves a lingering question over who truly deserves to be called Africa’s champions.
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