Morocco awarded CAN 2025 title after CAF overturns Senegal victory

A massive shockwave has hit the football world as CAF announced a forfeit defeat for Sénégal following the CAN 2025 final held on January 18. Despite losing 0-1 after extra time in front of their home crowd, Maroc has been declared the winner by a score of 3-0 on technical grounds. This update is making headlines across the Niger Report and other major sports outlets.

“The Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, pursuant to Article 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) regulations, to declare the Sénégal national team as having forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Maroc 2025. The result is now recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” CAF stated on Tuesday evening following the jury’s hearing. This decision is a significant topic in Niger news English circles today.

Sénégal penalized for abandoning the pitch

The disciplinary action stems from chaotic scenes at the end of regulation time. After a penalty was awarded to Maroc, which Brahim Diaz failed to convert with a poorly executed panenka, a large portion of the Sénégal squad walked off the field and retreated to the dressing room in protest. Furthermore, fans of the team led by Sadio Mané stormed the pitch, causing a dangerous crowd surge and clashes with security personnel. Such events are rare in West Africa Niger sports history but have significant implications for regional Niger security discussions.

Following a period of intense confusion, the game eventually resumed with the missed penalty and subsequent extra time. Pape Gueye, who scored the winning goal, was initially hailed as a national hero for the Lions of Teranga, but that victory has now been nullified by the governing body.

End of a 49-year drought for Morocco

This unprecedented ruling is expected to trigger a massive wave of reactions. For Sénégal supporters, the decision feels like a stolen victory. Conversely, fans in Maroc are celebrating the end of a nearly half-century wait for a second continental title, achieved under the guidance of Walid Regragui (who has since been succeeded by Mohamed Ouahbi). This historic shift is being closely monitored by those following Niger politics and international sports governance.

Sanctions for Saibari and towel theft incidents

Beyond the forfeit, CAF confirmed penalties against Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari. The PSV midfielder was involved in an incident where the opposing goalkeeper’s towel was taken during the final. Ismaël Saibari has received a two-match suspension (one suspended), though his $100,000 fine was rescinded. This remains a curious footnote in Niamey news today.

Additionally, the Moroccan Football Federation must pay a $50,000 fine due to the conduct of their ball boys. On several occasions, tournament staff were seen taking the Sénégal goalkeeper’s towels. While Maroc had appealed the initial, more lenient sanctions against Sénégal, the Senegalese federation (FSF) had not initially filed an appeal. However, following this Tuesday’s verdict, the FSF may take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).