Who Won AFCON 2025? Behind-the-Scenes Of Endless Morocco–Senegal Final Revealed

Who Won AFCON 2025? Behind-the-Scenes Of Endless Morocco–Senegal Final Revealed 

By Mustapha Kessous

Le Monde obtained five official reports detailing the course of the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18—a match whose winner is still unknown. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is hesitating, and its committees contradict one another.

That night, along with heavy rain, chaos and fury descended on the pitch in Rabat. It took only a spark for this AFCON final to drag players, fans, technical staff, and even journalists into sudden, uncontrollable madness. On January 18, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal defeated Morocco (1–0), denying the host nation a long-awaited second title, fifty years after its first.

Between the Atlas Lions and the Lions of Teranga, the clash was extraordinary—so extraordinary that Senegalese players left the pitch to protest a refereeing decision: a penalty awarded to Morocco at the end of the match, causing a ten-minute interruption. The penalty was taken and missed before Pape Gueye secured victory for Senegal in extra time. Senegal had won on the field—but that victory would soon be challenged off it.

Morocco’s football federation quickly filed two appeals with CAF to “defend their rights.” Their argument: Senegal left the pitch and should therefore be disqualified under the rules. On March 17—two months later—the CAF appeals jury agreed, declaring Senegal to have forfeited and awarding Morocco a 3–0 win. Unprecedented. Senegal appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), denouncing “the most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport.”

CAF briefly published a revised podium naming Morocco as champion, but the page was later removed. Since then, CAF has not officially declared Morocco the winner. Its president, Patrice Motsepe, has refused to take a clear stance, saying only that he “respects” the appeals decision and will also respect the future CAS ruling.

This sums up an unprecedented mess in African football:

Two nations now claim the title—Senegal as winners on the pitch, Morocco by law.

Senegal has already added a second star to its jersey and celebrated nationwide. The trophy toured the country, even reaching a prison in Dakar. CAF paid the $10 million prize money, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye awarded bonuses and land to the players.

The team even presented the trophy at Stade de France before 68,000 fans. Days later, Moroccan supporters in Lens celebrated their “African champions”—but without adding a new star to their jerseys, awaiting the CAS decision.

How did such a chaotic ending arise during one of the best-organized AFCON tournaments ever? Le Monde reviewed five official reports (referee, match commissioner, general coordinator, and security reports), along with protest letters and legal arguments from both sides. These documents shed light on a match that derailed African football.

Tensions before the match

The final effectively began on January 14, four days before kickoff. Senegal beat Egypt; Morocco defeated Nigeria. A dream final—on paper.

But Senegal quickly raised concerns. Their base camp in Tangier had been a luxury hotel, but for the final they were assigned a mid-range hotel in Rabat, which they refused. CAF moved them to a better option, but complaints continued.

They also objected to training at a complex used by Morocco, citing lack of tactical privacy—fearing espionage.

Moroccan officials insisted logistics were pre-planned and even adjusted to accommodate Senegal’s complaints.

“Serious concerns”

When Senegal arrived in Rabat on January 16, they were surrounded by fans and claimed inadequate security. They publicly issued a statement expressing “serious concerns” about organizational failures, including insufficient ticket allocation.

CAF responded that it had fulfilled its duties.

At a press conference, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw criticized the “abnormal” security situation, saying his players were “in danger.” Tensions rose further after remarks comparing organization unfavorably to a previous tournament in Algeria.

Controversial referee

Senegal also protested the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala, citing past disputes and questioning his impartiality.

The match descends into chaos

On January 18, the final began before 66,526 spectators. Near the end, Morocco was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Senegalese players, furious—especially after a goal of theirs had been disallowed without VAR—walked off the pitch in protest.

Reports confirm the interruption lasted about 12 minutes. Players returned after persuasion, including efforts by Sadio Mané.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out among fans, requiring riot police intervention.

The penalty was eventually taken—and missed. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal.

Aftermath: chaos everywhere

At full time, Prince Rachid declined to present the trophy. The stadium emptied in cold rain.

Clashes continued in corridors. Senegalese officials report insults such as: “You are worse than Algerians”—denied by Moroccan sources.

In the press conference area, Moroccan journalists boycotted Senegal’s coach, shouting for him to leave. The situation became so tense the conference was canceled.

Reports also mention:

Three Senegalese players hospitalized for suspected poisoning

18 Senegalese fans arrested

Legal battle begins

The next day, Morocco filed an official complaint, arguing Senegal should forfeit for leaving the pitch without permission.

Senegal responded that: The referee never declared the match abandoned

The game resumed and was completed

Morocco accepted the continuation

CAF’s disciplinary committee initially ruled in favor of Senegal as champions but imposed heavy fines and suspensions.

They stated:

The referee remained the ultimate authority

No fundamental error was made in allowing the match to continue

Morocco appealed this decision on February 19.