On January 18th, Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON final after extra time. What seemed like a clear and proud victory for Senegal has since taken an unexpected turn, becoming one of the most talked about moments in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The match featured a chaotic moment when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time. In protest, Senegal’s players and technical team briefly walked off the pitch before eventually returning to continue the game.
Brahim Diaz then attempted a "Panenka" chip from the penalty, but it was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. According to CAF regulations, leaving the field without authorization breaches tournament rules. Under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON rules, such an action is treated as a forfeiture.
As a result, CAF declared the match forfeited by Senegal and adjusted the final score to a 3–0 win for Morocco, making them the official champions.
The decision has divided opinion. Some argue CAF was simply enforcing its rules, while others say it sets a concerning precedent by overturning a result after the final whistle.
Senegal officials have strongly resisted the ruling, insisting the decision is unfair since the team returned to complete the match and had won on merit. An appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is now being prepared, as Senegal seeks to reclaim the title.
Morocco are officially crowned champions, but the notion of how they won the trophy continues to spark debate among fans.
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