In one of the most dramatic and controversial endings in recent African football history, Morocco national football team has officially been crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations—two months after losing the final on the pitch.
Originally, Senegal national football team defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18. However, the match was overshadowed by chaos in stoppage time. In the 97th minute, a highly controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. Furious over the decision, Senegal’s coach led the team off the pitch in protest.
Although star player Sadio Mané reportedly convinced his teammates to return, and the penalty was ultimately saved, the damage had already been done. The walk-off was later deemed a serious violation of tournament rules.
On March 17, the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football ruled that Senegal had effectively forfeited the final under Article 84 of AFCON regulations. As a result, the match was officially overturned and awarded as a 3-0 victory to Morocco.
This decision means Morocco has completed a stunning off-field comeback to claim the AFCON 2025 title—an outcome that is already sparking heated debate across the football world.