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The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Final ended in controversy after Senegal were stripped of their on-field victory and Morocco awarded a 3–0 win by the Confederation of African Football.
The final in Rabat descended into chaos late in stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review involving Brahim Díaz. Furious at the decision coming moments after a disallowed goal Senegal players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest.
Although play later resumed, with Edouard Mendy saving Díaz’s penalty and Pape Sarr scoring what appeared to be the winning goal in extra time, CAF ruled that Senegal had already breached tournament rules.
Under Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, any team that ‘Refuses to continue play, or Leaves the pitch without the referee’s authorization’, automatically forfeits the match, which is then recorded as a 3–0 win for the opponent.
CAF confirmed Senegal violated Article 82, and in application of Article 84, the match was awarded to Morocco securing their first AFCON title since 1976.
Thiaw has since been handed a suspension for upcoming qualifiers, while the result remains one of the most contentious decisions in AFCON history.
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