Rewarding AFCON title to Morocco a huge mistake – Pitso Mosimane hits back at CAF’s decision

South African coach Pitso Mosimane has openly condemned the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) move to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Senegal originally secured a 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco in the final on 18 January, but the CAF Appeals Committee has now ruled that the team’s 17-minute walk-off following a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco violated tournament regulations.

Under Article 82, any team that leaves the field before the match concludes without the referee’s authorization is considered to have forfeited and is eliminated.

Based on this ruling, Morocco have been declared champions with a 3-0 scoreline, claiming their first AFCON title in 50 years.

The decision has ignited widespread debate across the continent. While the Moroccan Football Federation hailed it as a legitimate triumph, critics have described it as a controversial blemish on CAF’s history.

“Of course, I oppose CAF’s decision to award Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations. This decision is not correct. FIFA said that the referee’s decision to blow the final whistle and declare Senegal the winner is a final decision,” the former Al Ahly coach told Lila Kora.

“Morocco were awarded a penalty, the match continued, the penalty was missed, and then Senegal achieved a great victory. This is the final decision that should not be changed, so I am against CAF’s decision, of course,” he added.

Senegal have since launched proceedings to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).