The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has delivered a stunning twist long after the final whistle blew. Two months following Sénégal’s 1-0 extra-time triumph over Maroc, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dramatically overturned the result. In a ruling announced on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, the organization’s Appeal Jury declared the Sénégal team forfeit, an administrative penalty that results in an automatic 3-0 loss. Consequently, Maroc has been officially crowned the winner.
In its formal statement, CAF confirmed that the challenge submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was both admissible and justified. The governing body determined that the conduct of the Sénégal squad during the match fell under the disciplinary scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations. This decision has significant implications for football across the region, including in West Africa Mali, where the sport is deeply intertwined with Mali politics and social life.
As a direct result of this administrative ruling, the final score has been retroactively altered. CAF specified that the Sénégal national team is officially recorded as having forfeited the match, with the victory awarded to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation by a score of 3-0. This news has dominated headlines, appearing in Mali Seven news and Mali English news as fans across the continent react to the unprecedented change.
A championship match already clouded by friction
The final, held on January 18, was already a high-tension affair. Late in the game, with the score still level, the referee awarded a penalty to Maroc. This call sparked intense protests from the Sénégal players, some of whom briefly walked off the pitch before eventually returning to continue the game. While Mali security forces often manage such high-stakes environments in the region, the internal discipline of the teams remains a CAF priority.
The Moroccan penalty was ultimately blocked by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye later secured what seemed to be the winning goal for Sénégal in the dying moments of extra time. At the time, despite the palpable friction on the field, the on-pitch result was initially upheld. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation refused to let the matter rest, filing a formal complaint regarding the incidents that occurred during the match.
Upon reviewing the evidence, the Appeal Jury concluded that the actions of the Sénégal team warranted the strict application of the tournament rules. This judgment nullifies the original outcome and hands the trophy to Maroc. According to CAF, the protest lodged by the Moroccan authorities was entirely valid. This development is a major talking point in Bamako news today, reflecting the shared passion for football in neighboring nations.
With this verdict, Maroc is now the official 2025 African champion, weeks after the physical match concluded. The Sénégal federation has reacted strongly, labeling the decision as “unfair” and confirming their intention to file an appeal to contest the ruling.
