The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal ended in unprecedented chaos, with the Confederation of African Football overturning the result months later. Senegal had initially won 1-0 in extra time, but CAF's Appeal Board declared Senegal forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.
Controversial Penalty Decision
The drama began in stoppage time of the 0-0 draw when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after VAR consultation, awarded Morocco a penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal players protested and walked off the pitch in protest. After a 17-minute delay, they returned, and Edouard Mendy saved the penalty from Diaz, forcing extra time.
Original Result and Overturn
In extra time, Senegal's Pape Gueye scored what appeared to be the winner, giving Senegal a 1-0 victory. However, CAF later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations. The result was changed to 3-0 in favour of Morocco.
CAF's statement read: "The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match... with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football."
Senegal's Reaction
The Senegalese Football Federation condemned the decision as "an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football." Despite winning on the pitch, Senegal will not be recognised as champions; Morocco will be recorded as the 2025 AFCON winners.
