Tournament hosts Morocco have been officially declared champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board.
The decision overturns the outcome of the final against Senegal after the West African side walked off the pitch in protest during extra time. The appeal panel ruled that Senegal’s action breached competition regulations, awarding Morocco a 3 0 victory by default.
A late incident involving Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz, whose fall in the penalty area triggered a VAR review and a spot-kick judgment, generated the debate. The call started protests from the Senegal bench, with coach Pape Thiaw leading his players off the field.
The News Chronicle gathered that CAF decided the walk-off broke tournament rules, thus denying Senegal what could have been yet another continental title.
Although Morocco benefits from the decision, the governing body imposed sanctions for misbehaviour during the game, including incidents related to matchday operations and crowd control.
Organisers reinforce their position on discipline and adherence to competition guidelines as the decision brings closure to one of the most contentious finals in recent African football history.
The decision reinforces Morocco’s position at the top of African football, albeit controversy over the events surrounding the final is expected to persist.
