Sénégal loses african cup title two months after can 2025 final

Just two months after Senegal clinched victory in the African Cup of Nations 2025 final against Morocco, a dramatic twist has unfolded. The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has overturned the match’s outcome, declaring Senegal forfeited due to alleged administrative violations during the game. The decision, announced on March 17, awards Morocco a 3-0 technical win under CAF’s competition regulations.

SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

CAF overturns CAN 2025 final outcome, awarding Morocco the title after Senegal’s forfeit.

The CAF’s Appeal Jury ruled in favor of Morocco’s protest, citing violations of articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations. In an official statement, the federation confirmed that « the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was deemed admissible and justified », leading to the annulment of Senegal’s original victory.

Controversial final sparks initial outrage

The January 18 final had already been embroiled in controversy. With the score tied at full-time, Moroccan players were awarded a disputed penalty. Senegalese players protested vociferously, with some briefly leaving the pitch before returning. While goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the penalty, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure Senegal’s win. At the time, no challenges were raised—until Morocco filed a formal complaint.

After reviewing the case, the CAF Appeal Jury concluded that Senegal’s conduct during the match violated competition rules. The decision effectively erases the original 1-0 victory, handing Morocco the 2025 African Cup of Nations title retroactively. Senegal’s football federation has condemned the ruling as « unjust », vowing to appeal the decision.

What’s next for African football?

The CAF’s verdict has left fans and analysts divided. While Morocco celebrates its first continental title since 1976, Senegal faces a setback in its quest for regional dominance. The controversy underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding West African football on the global stage.