King Mohammed VI has sent a congratulatory to the Atlas Lions of Morocco despite missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The North Africa football heavyweights succumbed to a narrowly defeat to Senegal in a chaotic final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
The dramatic showdown descended into controversy after a late penalty decision in Morocco’s favour sparked furious protests from the Senegalese camp, leading to a brief stoppage as players appeared ready to abandon the pitch on the instructions of their bench.
But Sadio Mane demonstrated leadership, intervening and rallying his teammate to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match.
The blockbuster final traveled to the extra-time after Brahim Diaz missed a crucial penalty in regular time. Senegal prevailed, with Pape Gueye netting the match-winner to propel the Taranga Lions to victory.
Despite missing out on the title, King Mohammed VI has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Morocco.
“On the occasion of your reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, we are pleased to send you, players, coaches, technical, medical and administrative staff and officials of the Moroccan Football Federation, our warmest congratulations on this honorable continental achievement.”
“Through this distinguished journey, you have proven that perseverance, seriousness, and team spirit are the way to achieve accomplishments, and you have presented the world with a model of what Moroccan and African youth can achieve when they are armed with confidence in their talents and abilities.”
“As you have demonstrated, through your composure and honorable heroic performance, the importance of our strategic vision in investing in human capital, and in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and global readiness in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup.”
“As much as we consider our country’s hosting of this distinguished championship, with its befitting quality of organization and warm welcome stemming from the virtues and ancient values of our Moroccan nation, a great sporting achievement, we also consider it a message of hope and confidence from Morocco to its continent, confirming that African genius is capable of excellence and creativity in all fields.”
“We commend with great appreciation the passionate Moroccan fans who supported the team throughout this tournament, with great enthusiasm and confidence, urging you to continue the effort to achieve more accomplishments and honor Moroccan football in various international football forums, with our highest satisfaction.”
Senegal won the title for the second time in its history after 2021 at the expense of Egypt, and ended its drought in final matches with a wonderful goal from Pape Gueye, which is the 100th goal in the history of the Taranga Lions in the African Cup of Nations.
For the first time, the Senegalese national team has triumphed over the host nation after five previous attempts without a victory against the home team.
The Taranga Lions now hold the second-longest unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations with 18 matches, after Egypt, who hold the record with 24 matches.
The Moroccan national team has been absent from the podium in the Africa Cup of Nations for 50 years, since winning the title in 1976.
