AFCON 2025 final shocker: Morocco equals Algeria’s record after CAF overturns Senegal win

The football world was shaken on Tuesday evening as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a decision to strip the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament from Senegal and award it to Morocco.

The controversial final, held on January 18 in Rabat, ended with Senegal defeating Morocco 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a late goal by Pape Gueye. The match saw a dramatic moment when Senegalese players temporarily withdrew from the field in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.

Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions and Real Madrid star, unusually missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to secure the apparent victory.

CAF initially confirmed Senegal’s win and imposed sanctions on both teams. However, in a historic twist, the Appeals Board reopened the case following Morocco’s appeal and ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a violation of Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations. Consequently, the match result was overturned to a 3-0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.

This decision elevates Morocco to a total of two Africa Cup of Nations titles, matching the records of Algeria (1990 and 2019) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1968 and 1974).

Egypt remains the most decorated African nation with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, Ghana with four, and both Nigeria and the Ivory Coast with three titles each.

The CAF bombshell not only reshapes the historical record but also sparks debate about the intersection of regulations, sportsmanship, and the legacy of African football championships.