Caf overturns Senegal’s can 2025 victory after controversial final
The thrilling 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final between Senegal and Morocco has taken another dramatic turn. Two months after Senegal clinched a narrow 1-0 victory in extra time, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has reversed the outcome, declaring Senegal forfeit due to alleged misconduct during the match.
On March 17, the CAF Appeal Jury ruled in favor of Morocco’s protest, stating that Senegal’s conduct during the final violated articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations. The decision, announced in a late-evening statement, enforces a default 3-0 loss for Senegal, awarding the 2025 CAN title to Morocco.
The CAF confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s appeal was deemed admissible and justified, triggering the automatic penalty. “The Senegal national team has been declared forfeit for this match, with the result recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation,” the governing body stated.
controversial moments marred the original final
The January 18 final was already embroiled in controversy. With the score deadlocked in regular time, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco. Senegalese players protested vocally, with some briefly leaving the pitch before returning. Édouard Mendy made a crucial save, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Senegal’s initial victory.
However, the Moroccan federation contested several match incidents, prompting disciplinary action. After reviewing the case, the CAF Appeal Jury concluded that Senegal’s actions warranted the penalty. The ruling nullifies the original outcome, handing Morocco the championship title weeks after the on-field final.
The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned the decision as “unfair,” vowing to appeal. Meanwhile, Morocco celebrates its first CAN title, though the victory arrives under disputed circumstances.
