The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final has become one of the most disputed matches in African football history after Confederation of African Football overturned Senegal’s on-field victory and awarded the title to Morocco.

Initially won by Senegal national football team, the result was later reversed by CAF’s Appeals Committee following a prolonged dispute that lasted nearly two months.

Controversy before the final

Even before the decisive match on 18 January 2026, the tournament had been marked by several refereeing controversies.

A number of teams raised concerns over contentious decisions, many of which were perceived to favour Morocco.

On the eve of the final, Senegal’s delegation publicly voiced worries about what it described as unfair treatment throughout the competition.

A tense and dramatic final

The final itself unfolded in a highly charged atmosphere.

Senegal and Morocco struggled to break the deadlock during regular time, with both sides evenly matched.

During the match, Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was repeatedly disturbed near his goal, as individuals behind the net attempted to interfere with him by trying to remove his towel.

The turning point came in stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo disallowed a Senegalese goal that many observers believed to be valid, without consulting VAR.

Shortly afterwards, he awarded a penalty to Morocco following a video review.

In protest, several Senegal players temporarily left the pitch, while tensions also rose in the stands involving supporters, security personnel and stewards.

After a brief halt, play resumed when the Senegalese team returned.

Missed chance and decisive goal

Morocco’s penalty, taken by Brahim Díaz, failed to produce a goal after Mendy made a crucial save.

The match remained goalless at the end of normal time.

In extra time, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute, securing what appeared to be a 1-0 victory and another continental title for Senegal.

Appeals and sanctions

Morocco’s football authorities, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, quickly lodged an appeal with CAF’s disciplinary committee, arguing that Senegal should be sanctioned for interrupting the match.

The initial appeal was rejected, and the result stood, although CAF imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal.

These included fines and the arrest of 18 Senegalese supporters in Morocco, who were later handed prison sentences ranging from three months to one year.

Final ruling reverses result

The case was then taken to CAF’s Appeals Committee, which delivered its final verdict on 17 March 2026.

The committee ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch constituted a breach of regulations.

As a result, the match outcome was annulled and recorded as a 3-0 forfeit victory for Morocco under CAF rules.

The decision effectively stripped Senegal of the title they had secured on the field and awarded the trophy to Morocco.

The ruling has brought the saga to a new stage, though the dispute is expected to continue as Senegal prepares to challenge the outcome.