Sénégal loses africa cup title two months after can 2025 final

The African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final delivered yet another twist, this time months after the match ended. Two months after Senegal clinched victory over Morocco (1-0 after extra time), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the result. In a decision announced on March 17, the CAF Appeal Jury ruled that Senegal’s national team was disqualified, enforcing a 3-0 administrative defeat under tournament regulations. The official outcome now grants Morocco the title.

The CAF’s statement confirmed that the «Moroccan Football Federation’s appeal was deemed admissible and justified.» The governing body cited Senegal’s conduct during the match as falling under articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. The decision effectively nullifies the original result, replacing it with a 3-0 victory for Morocco as per tournament rules.

Controversial final marred by disputes

The January 18 final was already a contentious affair. With the score level at full-time, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco. The call sparked outrage among Senegalese players, some of whom briefly walked off the pitch before returning. Despite the tension, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Senegal’s initial victory.

However, the Moroccan Football Federation contested several match incidents and filed a formal protest with CAF’s disciplinary bodies. After reviewing the case, the Appeal Jury ruled that Senegal’s actions violated tournament regulations, leading to the reversal of the result. The CAF reiterated that the «Moroccan Federation’s appeal has been upheld.»

With this decision, Morocco is now officially crowned Africa Cup of Nations 2025 champions, despite the match having been played weeks earlier. The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned the ruling as «unfair» and announced plans to appeal the decision.