World • 3h ago
Morocco win 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after organisers strip title from Senegal
**Morocco Wins 2025 Africa Cup of Nations After Senegal's Disqualification**
In a dramatic turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding it to Morocco instead. This decision comes after Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest of a referee's decision, delaying the final for 16 minutes.
The incident occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. With the game entering extra time, Senegal's players were unhappy with a disputed stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco. To make matters worse, Moroccan player Brahim Diaz missed a crucial penalty, but Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made an impressive save.
However, the controversy took another turn when the Caf's appeal board upheld Morocco's appeal, citing Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations. According to this article, teams are expected to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and respect for the game. Senegal's decision to walk off the pitch was deemed a breach of this regulation.
As a result, the Senegal team was declared to have forfeited the match, with Morocco being awarded a 3-0 victory. This unexpected twist has handed Morocco their first Africa Cup of Nations title in their history.
It's worth noting that this decision may raise some eyebrows in Nigeria, where the country's Super Eagles suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the same tournament. However, the Caf's decision is final, and Morocco will now be crowned the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.